Fountain of Notre-Dame at Saint-Brieuc, Brittany

Louis-Rémy Robert photographed this fifteenth-century Gothic pavilion, built over the fountain of Notre-Dame at Saint-Brieuc in Brittany. He framed the whole building, its square façade set on a slight diagonal, and included part of the nineteenth-century chapel behind, trees on either side and a path leading out of the picture. A seated woman in traditional Breton costume sits beneath the front arch, and Robert may have added her himself. The picture is a salted paper print from a calotype negative. Because the exposure was long, the trees moved and were recorded as they swayed. Together with broad areas of bright light and dark shadow, this gives the scene a strong atmosphere. It is one of seven views of medieval sites along Brittany's northern coast.

On your wall: Its soft black and white tones and architectural subject suit studies, libraries, hallways and calm living rooms, especially those with a traditional or understated character.