Cabinet Card L.P. Vallee Séminaire de Chicoutimi Cathedral Saguenay Quebec
$ 9.77
Description
Cabinet Card L.P. Vallee Séminaire de Chicoutimi Cathedral Saguenay Quebec. The first Chicoutimi cathedral opened in 1878. Photographs of these lost buildings are exceedingly rare. This image may represent one of the earliest photographs ever taken of the seminary. Region: Quebec / Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. DESCRIPTION A rare and historically significant antique cabinet card photograph by celebrated Quebec City photographer L.P. Vallée (Louis-Prudent Vallée, 1837–1905), one of the most important documentary photographers of 19th-century Quebec. Subject: A panoramic elevated view of the Séminaire de Chicoutimi and its adjacent first cathedral, overlooking the Saguenay River and its dramatic fjord cliffs. The town of Chicoutimi is visible spreading to the left, and the rocky, largely undeveloped foreground suggests this photo was taken very shortly after the seminary’s completion. Historical Significance: The seminary building — a four-storey stone structure with a distinctive mansard roof — was blessed on August 4, 1875. The first Chicoutimi cathedral opened in 1878. The entire complex was destroyed in the catastrophic Chicoutimi fire of June 1912, which consumed over 100 buildings in the upper town. Photographs of these lost buildings are exceedingly rare. This image may represent one of the earliest photographs ever taken of the seminary. Identification is confirmed by “Chicoutimi, Saguenay” written in period cursive on the reverse. The photographer’s name and “Quebec” are printed on the front of the card. PHYSICAL DETAILS Format: Cabinet card — albumen print mounted on cardboard backing Size: Approximately 5” x 8” Condition: Very Good — clear image with strong tonal contrast; minor edge and corner wear to mount consistent with age ITEM SPECIFICS Type: Cabinet Card Original/Reproduction: Original Estimated Date: 1875–1878 Country: Canada Region: Quebec / Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean Photographer: L.P. Vallée Subject: Architecture / Institutional / Religious / Cityscape SEARCH TAGS antique photo, cabinet card, Chicoutimi, Saguenay, Quebec, L.P. Vallée, Vallée, seminary, séminaire, cathedral, Canada, 19th century photography, albumen print, 1875, rare, historical
