Les Salles des Gardes, Palais des Papes, Avignon, France

French 19th Century

National Gallery of Art

This is a photograph of an empty dormitory or barracks room. The image captures a long, narrow space lined with rows of single metal-framed beds on either side, each finished with neatly folded blankets and clothing hanging beside them. In the center of the room, two parallel lines of large pillars extend from the floor to the ceiling. Suspended from the ceiling are simple light fixtures. The architecture of the room features high, arched ceilings. The overall setting appears methodical and orderly, with personal belongings organized along the beds, such as uniforms and bags. The black and white tone of the photograph suggests a historical setting.