Untitled (Farm Animals)

This charming view of village life by Braun is one of only about five known large-scale prints produced from a small number of negatives. It represents one of the earliest studies of animals not portrayed by a daguerreotype. This complex and densely filled composition is beautifully balanced and enhanced by the skillful use of natural light in order to highlight the animals. The abundant clarity of detail suggests that Braun intended to market these photographs to visual artists as models for their compositions, just as he did with flower studies accomplished around the same time.