Gezicht op Old Town en Waverley Bridge in Edinburgh c. 1870 - 1890

Editor: This gelatin silver print, titled "Gezicht op Old Town en Waverley Bridge in Edinburgh," is dated circa 1870-1890. The sepia tones create a sense of nostalgia. It feels like stepping back in time. What historical context should we consider when viewing this photograph? Curator: Considering its time, the late 19th century, photography was shifting from a purely documentary tool to one of artistic expression. We see this influence in "Gezicht op Old Town". It isn’t merely a record; it presents a specific view – a cultivated gaze upon Edinburgh's urban landscape. Think about the social and political undercurrents of this era – how does this photograph reflect or perhaps even shape ideas about urban progress, or even national identity? Editor: It's interesting to think about photography shaping national identity. How do you mean? Curator: Well, images like these circulated widely, becoming visual shorthand for a place. The choice of framing, the emphasis on particular architectural styles, the inclusion or exclusion of certain details... all contribute to a curated image of Edinburgh presented to the wider world. In the rapidly industrializing 19th century, pictures such as these can reflect a selective depiction of society at that time, inviting viewers to perceive a romantic or idealized image of a quickly changing world. Editor: So, the photographer isn't just capturing reality; they are also constructing a narrative. What does this picture leave out? Curator: That's the key question. What's *not* visible tells us just as much. Are the lives of the working class depicted? Is there evidence of industrial grime and pollution, prevalent in that era? Editor: This gives me a whole new perspective on cityscape photography from this period. It is really not about just capturing, but rather selecting and promoting an ideal. Thank you! Curator: Indeed. Thinking critically about whose stories are being told, and whose are being left out, is essential for understanding the socio-political role of images, both then and now.