Uitzicht op een brug in Venetië vanuit een gondel 1889 - 1893

Johanna Margaretha Piek made this photograph of a bridge in Venice from a gondola. The image offers a window into the culture of early photography and tourism in Venice. Notice how the composition frames the bridge and figures, creating a sense of depth and perspective from within the gondola, an iconic symbol of Venice. This photograph invites us to consider the relationship between the tourist gaze and the representation of Venice. Venice, with its unique geography and rich history, has long been a magnet for travelers. In Piek's time, photography was becoming more accessible, allowing tourists to capture and share their experiences. This image, with its carefully composed scene, reflects both the allure of Venice and the growing democratization of image-making. Understanding this photograph requires looking into the archives of early photography and the history of tourism. It’s a reminder that every image is shaped by the social and technological context in which it was created.