Gezicht op Mürren en de omliggende Alpentoppen c. 1880 - 1910

The Gebrüder Wehrli captured this black-and-white photograph of Mürren and the surrounding Alps. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there was a surge in interest in mountain landscapes, fueled by Romanticism and the rise of tourism. The Alps became a popular destination, embodying ideals of sublime nature. In this context, photography played a crucial role. It not only documented the landscape but also shaped the cultural perception of these majestic sites. The decision to frame this vista reflects a particular point of view, an attempt to capture the immensity and beauty of nature through a lens that also orders and tames it. It reflects how the Alps are not just geographical locations, but constructed cultural symbols invested with layers of meaning and desire. What do you feel when looking at this image? Is it awe, or something else?