Original Photograph Of The Edgar Quinet In Brest.

Original period photograph depicting the armored cruiser “Edgar Quinet” leaving the Brest Arsenal in 1910 under the command of Captain Paul Émile Aimable Guépratte, who, since 1909, had overseen the completion work and ensured the ship's fine-tuning. He would end his distinguished career with the rank of Vice Admiral. The swing bridge is being opened to allow passage for the armored cruiser “Edgar Quinet” as it leaves the Brest Arsenal. The cruiser is being towed at its leading edge by the tugboat “Hâleur,” not visible but located in the lower left of the photograph. The tugboat “Laborieux” is on the starboard side, and the barge “Chameau,” with its two cargo masts in front of its bridge, is on the port side. The swing bridge takes an hour to open, with the swings being operated by a capstan by a team of eight men. The dinghy alongside the forward side of the cruiser is used to bring mooring lines ashore to aid maneuvering. This period photograph was likely taken by the French photographer Marius Bar (1862-1930). The frame was created by Auguste Saluden (1880-1921), whose art gallery operated in Brest until 2023. The frame and mat are original. Photograph dimensions: 48.5 cm wide by 36.5 cm high. Frame dimensions: 75 cm wide by 60 cm high. Very good condition. The marks around the edge of the glass protecting the photograph are residues of an old varnish used to protect the gilded stucco frame.