Gezicht op de Traunfall in Oostenrijk before 1899

This photograph of the Traunfall in Austria was made by Photoglob & Co, most likely in 1899, and printed on an albumen silver substrate. The albumen print process, popular in the late 19th century, involved coating paper with egg white and silver nitrate, creating a light-sensitive surface. This technique resulted in prints with fine detail and a glossy finish, ideal for capturing landscape views like this one. What's interesting is the industrial harnessing of this natural landscape. Notice the mills and other wooden structures, which seem to literally cling to the waterfall. It's a potent image of labor and capital working hand-in-hand. The albumen process itself was labor-intensive, requiring careful preparation and printing. As such, this photograph and others like it are tied to the wider social issues of production and consumption, showing how even the most scenic views were often framed by human industry. It reminds us that all images are made, not simply taken, and that their meanings are deeply rooted in material and social context.