79. Aphrodisias. Enfants.

It is no coincidence that the earliest photographers concentrated their attentions on static scenes. Even under the strong light of the Near East the relatively long exposures would have tried the patience of most photographers attempting any portrait photography. In his account published in 1843, Goupil-Fesquet reports that in Alexandria, presumably with the advantage of the bright light of the coast, he was able to achieve exposures of 2 minutes. However, at the pyramids, his exposures were closer to 15 minutes. Girault de Prangey, undeterred, here tackles the most difficult portrait of any - a group of small children. Other early travellers complained of the disruption to their photographic efforts caused by the curiosity of demanding onlookers. Here, the artist appears to have confronted this in the way that many have since, by photographing the onlookers themselves. Although not technically perfect by later standards, this small daguerreotype has a wonderful informality, with the children carelessly draped over the ancient ruins.

There are no other similar studies in the photographer's archive.