Gezicht op het plein voor het Monte Carlo Casino en de omliggende bebouwing c. 1870 - 1900

This photograph of the Monte Carlo Casino and its surroundings was taken by Étienne Neurdein in the late 19th or early 20th century, using a process called silver gelatin printing. Photography in this era was as much about craft as it was about technology. The silver gelatin process required careful preparation of glass plates, a precise understanding of light-sensitive chemistry, and skillful manipulation in the darkroom. Each print was a unique object, bearing the mark of the photographer's hand. Neurdein’s choice of this medium reflects a desire to capture not just the image, but also the atmosphere of Monte Carlo. The tonal range achieved through the silver gelatin process lends the scene a certain glamour, enhancing the allure of this playground for the wealthy. Consider the labor involved, from the production of photographic materials to the photographer’s meticulous work. By recognizing the skill and effort behind this image, we come to a fuller appreciation of photography as both a form of documentation, and a crafted art form.