Caprile, Mt. Marmalada c. 1880s

Curator: Francis Frith, a prominent 19th-century photographer, captured this striking image of Caprile, Mt. Marmalada. Editor: It has a desolate, almost lunar quality. A powerful contrast between the dark, textured rock face and the smooth, icy glacier. Curator: Frith’s work gained recognition for its scale and technical virtuosity, particularly his documentation of landscapes during a time of increasing industrialization. Editor: I’m wondering about that tiny figure, almost imperceptible at first glance. It’s so stark against the mountain’s scale, doesn't it look like a commentary on the human condition? Curator: Perhaps. Frith's images circulated widely through albums and as individual prints, shaping perceptions of remote landscapes for a Victorian audience. Editor: This image, however, feels timeless, almost like a premonition of our current climate anxiety. Curator: Indeed, the scale and remoteness invite reflection on human impact. Editor: It makes one feel both incredibly small, yet part of something grand and indifferent to our struggles.