Gezicht op de Toren van Pisa c. 1860 - 1880

Editor: So this albumen print, "Gezicht op de Toren van Pisa," was created sometime between 1860 and 1880 by Sommer & Behles. It's a rather classic tourist image. As a modern viewer, I’m immediately struck by its seemingly straightforward representation. What stands out to you about this piece? Curator: Well, what's fascinating to me is how photography like this contributed to shaping a global imagination, especially in the 19th century. Prior to mass tourism, imagery like this distributed views of the world. How do you think this image played a role in constructing a particular idea about Pisa, or even Italy as a whole? Editor: That’s interesting. I guess before easy travel, this photograph provided visual confirmation of this place. Seeing the actual tower in a photo is different than reading about it. It sort of cements its reality, or rather, a specific version of reality chosen by the photographers. Do you see that version of reality as being especially… staged? Curator: Certainly. These photographic firms often catered to the tastes of tourists, reinforcing existing notions of the picturesque. It's not just documentation; it’s about crafting a commercially viable narrative of place. And, the stereo format also heightened the viewing experience to capture perspective views that approximated ‘being there.’ How might this influence contemporary image culture and the ways we share our lives and travel? Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way. We're so inundated with carefully curated Instagram feeds now. This image provides some interesting historical context. This dialogue shows me that photos can construct reality. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. It serves as a good reminder to look critically at how images, even those that seem simple, reflect deeper cultural forces at work. Thanks for considering that idea!