Zaragoza, Patio de la Casa Conocida con el Nombre de los Infantes 1860

Charles Clifford captured this albumen silver print of the “Zaragoza, Patio de la Casa Conocida con el Nombre de los Infantes.” Clifford was working in the mid-19th century, a time when photography was increasingly employed to document and construct narratives about places and cultures. Clifford, as a foreign photographer, presents a particular view of Spain. His choice to photograph the architecture, specifically the courtyard, invites us to consider the representation of Spanish identity. The intricate carvings and the play of light and shadow create a sense of depth, but also perhaps of an idealized past. Consider how the architectural details and the specific location evoke questions about history, power, and representation. This photograph serves as a reminder of how images mediate our understanding of culture, inviting us to reflect on whose stories are told and how they are framed.