Attr. Alexandre Bougault (XIX) - Palabres, Biskra

Circa 1900, 21x27 cm.
"Palabres, Biskra", a very beautiful portrait of a village gathering attributed to Alexandre Bougault (late 19th/early 20th century).
Superb gelatin silver print on laid paper, toned with gold chloride, in very good condition (crease at the top-right corner), loose (not mounted, rare), and with very fine preservation of contrasts, very beautiful warm colors and characteristic levels of detail.
Will be shipped with its sleeve and its neutral-pH cardboard support (ideal for a collection in good conditions).
Settled in Biskra at the end of the 19th century, Alexandre Bougault opened a workshop there at the heart of an oasis then very frequented by European travelers. He develops a local production mixing portraits, religious figures and everyday scenes.
His photographs are distinguished by sober compositions, soft light and meticulous attention to faces, fabrics and textures, giving his models an embodied intensity.
Deserves framing.
Small PR conservatoire, not to be missed.