|
He does get to work, travelling on the train with King Napoleon III. and
Queen Victoria, making photographs during the visit of the Queen and
combines them with photos from his portfolio to an album containing fifty
large prints. The luxurious red leather album with the title „Visite de Sa
Majeste la Reine Victoria et de Son Altesse Royale le Prince Albert 18-27
aout 1855; Itineraire et vues du Chemin de fer du Nord" is handed over to
Queen Victoria. This gem is now in the collection of Queen Elizabeth II in
the royal archives at Windsor Castle.
Working for government he documents the great floods of the Rhone with his
pictures (1856), makes photographs of the construction of the new Louvre
by order of Napoleon III (1855-58) and is considered one of the leading
photographers of France. His work for the government and the documentation
of the national culture are widely acclaimed:
|
In August of 1860 Edoard Baldus is awarded the decoration as "Chevalier"
of the "Legion d’honneur", for his contributions to the progress of his
art, as photographer and inventor.
But this successful stage of his career is overshadowed by the death of
his wife, who died in the spring of 1858 at the age of only 35 years. The
secret of his past seems to rest on him like a curse. His mother in law is
now taking care of the children, as Baldus is travelling again. In 1861 he
is commissioned by the „Chemins de fer de Paris à Lyon et à la
Méditerranée" (PLM) to make photographs of the line and buildings, and the
result is the second major photo work of Baldus on the railway.
>>>
|