Lys (Lilies)

Eugène Atget chose to isolate this cluster of lilies in a close-up study; dozens more out of focus behind the clump create a hazy background. In order to make the "documents for artists" that the sign outside his door advertised, Atget had to consider what types of photographs would be useful to artists as source material. His clients included textile designers, wallpaper designers, and painters, all of whom might have found this image of lilies in bloom quite valuable.