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Sculptures at Crystal Palace including Donatello's 'David'

Negretti and Zambra

1855

photographic

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Impressionism Realism Early 19th Century

Dominant colour

Sculptures at Crystal Palace including Donatello's 'David' is a 1855 photographic by Negretti and Zambra, a Impressionism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Negretti and Zambra
When & what style?: 1855 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This photo shows two grand rooms filled with statues and ornate carvings. The space looks like a mix of a museum and a church, with tall arches, columns, and detailed decorations on the walls. In the center of each room is a pedestal holding a statue, and the lighting makes some parts look bright while others stay shadowy. The photo was taken to show off how the Crystal Palace displayed famous sculptures. The statues are arranged like they’re in a real building, not just a gallery. Want to see more? Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The story of this work

Overview

A stereoscopic daguerreotype from 1855 depicts an interior view of the Crystal Palace’s sculpture gallery after its relocation to Sydenham, featuring Donatello’s *David* among other works. The image is presented on two daguerreotype plates set within a black mount, each displaying a rectangular arched window. The plates are enclosed in a glazed passe-partout frame.

Read the full account in the museum source.