Furka (ter hoogte van de pas), Zwitserland c. 1890 - 1920

Furka (ter hoogte van de pas), Zwitserland is a photograph by Gebrüder Wehrli. This image captures more than just a landscape; it evokes the intersection of nature and human presence, the sublime and the everyday. In the early 20th century, the medium of photography was expanding access to remote places, while also shaping perceptions of national identity and progress. Note the composition: buildings are nestled within this rugged terrain. Consider how these structures represent human intervention. How do they challenge or harmonize with the environment? Think about the labor required to construct these buildings and roads. Labor is a theme that highlights the relationship between human endeavor, societal progress, and the natural world. Ultimately, the photograph becomes a meditation on our complex relationship with the earth. It encourages us to reflect on our impact on the environment, while asking us to find beauty in the tension between nature’s grandeur and human ambition.