Lot 24: GIRAULT DE PRANGEY, JOSEPH-PHILIBERT (1804-1892) Rome. The Vatican. La Pigna

GIRAULT DE PRANGEY, JOSEPH-PHILIBERT (1804-1892)
Rome. The Vatican. La Pigna, titled and numbered “22.” on the label on the reverse.
Daguerreotype, 12 by 18.5 cm.
Executed c. 1842.

Provenance: Private collection, France.
Acquired from the above by Serge Plantureux, France.
Acquired from the above by the present owner.
Private collection, Europe.

It is hardly surprising that Girault de Prangey chose to start his extended tour of the Eastern Mediterranean in Italy. The primary destination of many privileged Grand Tourists before him, Italy attracted early photographers with its magnificent classical heritage and picturesque setting. Girault de Prangey travelled across Italy in 1842 but focused his attention predominantly on Rome, where he spent most time during his three-month stay. Already an experienced artist, Girault de Prangey explored diverse subjects for his daguerreotypes, preferring simple compositions and experimenting with format to suit his needs. The daguerreotypes in lots 23 and 24 being offered here demonstrate his preoccupation with the grand Roman architecture, and its classical monuments in particular, which he found so greatly appealing.