Gezicht op de Baai van Garavent bij Menton c. 1870 - 1900

This print of 'Gezicht op de Baai van Garavent bij Menton' was created by Neurdein Frères. Upon viewing this photograph, we're struck by how Neurdein Frères frame Menton. The image presents a tripartite division: vegetation in the immediate foreground, the bay in the middle ground, and the town nestled against the hills in the distance. This structure creates a sense of depth and invites the viewer to explore the receding layers of the composition. The positioning of foliage and branches not only frames the view, but also emphasizes the constructed nature of the image. It's as if the artists are inviting us to consider how we perceive and represent landscape. This framing operates as a sign, directing our gaze and shaping our understanding of the scene. Consider how the tonal range, from the dark foreground to the bright sky, affects our reading of the image. This photograph is not just a recording of a place; it’s an invitation to contemplate the act of seeing itself, and the ways in which we construct meaning through images.