Andrew Dickson White Architectural Photographs Collection

The Troyes Cathedral Corbel
Page Three

In addition to several paragraphs in his diary, Dr. White made a number of notations in the margins of three guidebooks he took to the town of Troyes and later donated to the Cornell University Library. Most of his notes pertain to his interest in architectural and sculptural features. The following inscription, however, reveals the name of the government photographer in Troyes. It was the photographer from whom he purchased the corbel and a series of photographs.

A page from A D White's travel book on Troyes, France

Transcription: Made the acquaintance of M. Gustave Lancelot—Artist Photographer Rue Thiers 10. & bought photographs & piece of Gothic sculpture from the Cathedral. ADW
 
Source: Inscription facing frontispiece, Guide de l'étranger dans Troyes et le départment de l'Aube (Troyes: E. Caffé, 1882) Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library.
White purchased a number of photographs from the photographer Gustave Lancelot while visiting the artist’s studio. In addition to the image of the Troyes Cathedral corbel, White bought about two dozen photographs of architectural monuments in the city of Troyes. The photograph below depicts several pieces of sculpture Lancelot had procured for his own art collection. The corbel he sold to A. D. White for 200 francs is visible in the center of the front row.

The Corbel in Lancelot's studio
A penciled notation in White’s hand along the bottom of the mount reads: “Corbel from the Cathedral of Troyes now at Cornell University”

Image: Gustave Lancelot, Troyes. Collections Lancelot (Troyes, France), ca. 1875-1886. Albumen print photograph. #15/5/3090.00276, Andrew Dickson White Architectural Photographs Collection. Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library
The Corbel Story Continues! Onward to page 4 and the end of the story.
 
 
This page last updated July 1, 2002