Switzerland or Germany Possibly 1886 - 1934

Alfred Stieglitz made this photograph, titled Switzerland or Germany, using gelatin silver print. This process, very popular during the late 19th and early 20th century, involves coating paper with a light-sensitive gelatin emulsion containing silver halides. Here, Stieglitz is focused on the textural contrasts within the natural landscape. He used a camera with a sharp lens, to capture both the ruggedness of the rock faces and the softness of the foliage. The gelatin silver process enabled him to render these details with clarity, creating a high contrast image. This was a craft tradition; gelatin silver printing demanded careful attention to detail, from preparing the emulsion to developing the print. Stieglitz aimed to elevate photography to the level of fine art through labor-intensive darkroom techniques. This process reflects his commitment to transforming mundane materials into works of great visual impact. The result is a photograph that reveals the beauty inherent in natural forms.