Pisa, circa 1859

Gustave de Beaucorps was a photographer and painter. From 1857-1861 he made several journeys through Northern France (1857), Spain, Portugal and North Africa (1858), Italy, Turkey and Middle East (1859). Despite having to deal with problems relating to heat, light and humidity, de Beaucorps chose to use the calotype process for the warmth and depth of tone it could produce. Most of the photographs attributed to de Beaucorps are landscapes and architectural studies while people are excluded. His picturesque views would often include the earth or the vegetation as part of the composition and his subjects were chosen for their historic as well as aesthetic interest.