Gustave Le Gray, 1820-1884

Gustave Le Gray (1820-1884) is one of the most important French photographers of the 19th century, primarily due to his technical innovations in the still-new medium, the influence he exerted as teacher of many well-known photographers, and the inexhaustible imagination he brought to image making. This major exhibition originated at the Bibliotheque Nationale de France, Paris in the Spring of 2002 and has now arrived at the Getty Museum, who has prepared a sumptuous catalogue. One now has the opportunity to explore Le Gray's extraordinary career through more than 100 photographs, all made before 1867, and divided into such groupings as Forest of Fontainebleau, Egypt, and Seascapes. It is the largest exhibition of his work ever held in the United States.