Gezicht op de Kathedraal van Lausanne c. 1871

This small photograph, depicting a view of the Lausanne Cathedral, was made by Florentin Charnaux, likely sometime in the mid-19th century. Photography was a radically new medium at this time, and it's easy to forget how alchemical the process was. Each print required careful manipulation of light-sensitive materials. This one is a relatively small format, probably intended for personal consumption – an early version of the postcard. Consider the labor involved: from the preparation of the photographic plate to the printing and mounting of the final image. The sepia tones add to its antique charm, a reminder of the historical processes involved. Photography, at its outset, was seen as a scientific tool, but quickly evolved into a means of artistic expression. Images like this one challenge us to reconsider the rigid boundaries between art, craft, and industry.