Gezicht op het meer van Alleghe en Civita di Bagnoregio in de Dolomieten, Italië before 1878

Editor: Here we have a striking albumen print titled "Gezicht op het meer van Alleghe en Civita di Bagnoregio in de Dolomieten, Italië," or "View of Lake Alleghe and Civita di Bagnoregio in the Dolomites, Italy" by Eugène Goblet d'Alviella. It dates from before 1878, and it almost feels like peering into another world with its monochrome palette. It's so atmospheric! What are your thoughts when you look at it? Curator: It does possess an otherworldly quality, doesn't it? For me, it's the delicate dance between the ephemeral and the enduring that captivates. Look how the softness of the albumen print renders the imposing mountains almost dreamlike, while simultaneously suggesting their immemorial presence. Do you see how the artist seems to have been equally interested in capturing both detail and a general sense of awe? It's like the image itself is whispering ancient stories. Editor: Absolutely! The contrast is amazing. How would this type of photography, and its context at the time, shaped how people might have experienced these locations back then, versus seeing them in, say, color photography now? Curator: A brilliant question. In its time, such an image would have been quite novel, an important step forward in accessing far-off landscapes. Without our familiarity with vibrant colour, an image like this probably encouraged a very specific type of imaginative speculation. And let's not forget, there's a certain preciousness inherent in these early photographic prints that digital images often lack. Knowing the artistry and time involved in its making adds an extra layer of depth. Editor: That makes so much sense. Thinking about that effort… well, it definitely changes how I see the work now! Thanks! Curator: And thank you! It’s delightful to look at this together. Perhaps next time we can delve further into how albumen prints work their unique magic?