Gezicht op Sion in Zwitserland c. 1875 - 1885

Editor: This photograph, titled "Gezicht op Sion in Zwitserland," was taken sometime between 1875 and 1885 by Garcin. It’s a lovely sepia-toned cityscape. There's something very peaceful about it. With the mountains and these castles, it gives a dreamy quality to the entire photo. What strikes you about this photograph? Curator: It's that romantic quality precisely, isn’t it? The photographer’s obviously been very careful to soften the edges, almost like a memory fading. And Sion itself is fascinating – imagine those castles, perched atop those incredible hills. I wonder if Garcin was thinking about time itself, the way history seems to press down on these places. You know, does this feel like an objective record of Sion, or something…more felt? Editor: It does feel…more felt, like Garcin is trying to capture more than just the layout of the town. There’s a deliberate artistic quality. I can definitely sense some wistfulness. Curator: Exactly! Maybe it's the contrast – the permanent stone and the fleeting photograph, wrestling together. Like a stubborn attempt to preserve what will eventually change, which feels very human, doesn't it? Does it maybe feel almost allegorical, for how quickly the world changes even in times when you wouldn't imagine that was true? Editor: Yes! I hadn't thought about it like that. Thinking of it that way makes the choice of using photography, which can instantly freeze something in time, very poignant. Curator: I think you’ve got it. Sometimes the deepest truths sneak up on you when you’re busy looking at something else, right? Editor: I see what you mean! This makes me see beyond the city in the image.