La Maison du Saumon, Chartres, from Vingt Lithographies du Vieux Paris

In this striking lithograph, Samuel Chamberlain captures the historic charm of "La Maison du Saumon" (The Salmon House) in Chartres, France. The print, part of a series documenting "Old Paris," focuses on the building's distinctive half-timbered facade, which leans slightly into the narrow street. The artist uses strong contrasts of light and shadow to emphasize the texture of the ancient timbers and the deep recesses of the windows. Notice how the angled lines of the building create a sense of dynamic energy, pulling the eye upwards towards the intricate details of the upper stories. This work transports us to a specific moment in time and place, evoking the atmosphere of a bygone era in French urban life.