Gustave Eiffel poses at the top of the Eiffel Tower in 1889.

Gustave Eiffel (1832.1923)

Original photograph.

Cabinet-sized print mounted on heavy cardboard.

Annotated in the margin, in black ink: April 11, 1989.

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The inauguration of the tower designed by Eiffel took place on March 31, 1889, immediately upon completion of the metal structure. A few officials, the engineers, and the workers who had participated in the construction gathered to witness Gustave Eiffel's ascent to the top of his monument. A French tricolor flag was planted, and a cannon fired to celebrate the event.

The work was not yet completely finished, however. It wasn't until about ten days later, on April 10th, that the installation of the pumps and machinery for raising the elevators was completed. Visitors to the Universal Exposition would soon be able to ascend to the Parisian heights.

According to the handwritten note in the margin, the photograph we are presenting was taken the day after this decisive installation, on April 11, 1889.

There we see Gustave Eiffel, happy, sticking his head out of an opening in the metal structure. Accompanied by his collaborators, the engineer beams at the top of his tower.

We believe we recognize, at the center of this group portrait, the face of Maurice Koechlin, the Swiss engineer who first designed the tower and defended the project within Eiffel's design office.

From its opening to the public on May 15, 1889, the Parisian monument – ​​then the tallest in the world – enjoyed immense popular success and received nearly two million visitors during the Universal Exhibition.