Toren van de San Gottardo te Milaan 1890 - 1920

This photograph of the Toren van de San Gottardo in Milan, was made by Giacomo Brogi sometime in the 1800's. The image is a symphony of grey, from light to dark, and rendered with such fine detail, that the stone work and roof tiles appear almost touchable. Look closely at the top of the tower. Here, the photograph is so light, it almost disappears into the sky, but then the details of the statue at the very peak, are rendered with such precision. I love how the building looms over the city, a sort of gentle giant overseeing the landscape. Brogi’s photograph reminds me of some of the architectural studies made by Bernd and Hilla Becher, but with a warmer, more human feel. Ultimately, this photograph is a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the power of seeing.