early life and training édouard-denis baldus, a german-born artist, was born on june 5, 1813, in grünebach, prussia. initially trained as a painter, he also worked as a draughtsman and lithographer before transitioning to photography in 1849. photographic career in 1851, baldus was commissioned by the historic monuments commission of france for the missions héliographiques, photographing historic buildings, bridges, and monuments. this project showcased his exceptional skill, earning him government support for les villes de france photographiées, a series of architectural views in paris and t…