Gezicht op Klosters met spoorbrug 1897

This anonymous photograph, "Gezicht op Klosters met spoorbrug," captures a Swiss village, and a railway bridge. The photographic process itself is critical here. Think about the labor involved in making this image, both physical and intellectual. From the mining of materials to create the camera and the chemical processes used to develop the photograph, and the transportation of this equipment to Switzerland. In its time, this was a revolutionary process of image-making, altering the relationship between humans and our environment. Photography democratized image production, allowing for the mass dissemination of views that had previously been the preserve of painters. It shifted the understanding of both labor and class within the art world, paving the way for new forms of artistic expression. By considering the material processes and social context of photography, we gain a deeper appreciation for its impact, challenging traditional notions of art.