Steeg in San Remo 1864 - 1881

This evocative photograph of a street in San Remo was captured by Giacomo Brogi using the wet collodion process. A sheet of glass was coated with light-sensitive chemicals, exposed in the camera, and developed immediately. This process yielded incredibly sharp images, with a distinctive tonal range and a depth of field that could capture minute details. Look at the texture of the stone, and the sharp shadows that define the architectural space. What’s easy to miss is the labor involved; not just in the construction of this street scene, but also in the making of the image. Each print required technical skill and meticulous attention to detail. It was a craft, not unlike masonry itself. Photographs like this offered a new way of seeing and documenting the world, transforming landscapes and cityscapes into commodities for consumption. They allowed viewers to experience distant lands, fueling a growing culture of tourism and contributing to the construction of identity. By considering the photograph's materiality and its role in shaping perceptions of place, we gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate relationship between art, craft, and society.