Rudolfsturm te Hallstatt c. 1865 - 1890

This is A. Elfsenwenger's photograph of Rudolfsturm in Hallstatt. It's a humble object, a small paper print, but it speaks volumes about the technologies of its time. The photographic process itself is key here. Think about the chemistry, the delicate balance of light and emulsion required to capture this image. Photography democratized image-making, taking it out of the hands of skilled painters and putting it within reach of a wider public. We can consider it as a new form of mass production, fueled by the rise of industrial capitalism. Look at the composition of the photo. Note how the building is positioned in relation to its surroundings, the natural landscape behind it, and the way the light falls across its surface. The Rudolfsturm becomes an artifact of the era, documenting a specific moment in time, and reflecting a shift in both artistic practice and the culture industry.