Regattta van gondels op het Canal Grande in Venetië ter hoogte van de Rialtobrug c. 1870 - 1890

Carlo Naya made this albumen print capturing the Regatta of Gondolas on the Grand Canal in Venice. In this image, Naya has not only documented an event but also made visible the city’s reliance on specialized craftsmanship. The gondolas themselves, essential for navigating Venice, represent a complex understanding of woodworking and boat design, passed down through generations. Notice how the dark, almost monochromatic tonality, achieved through chemical processes on coated paper, enhances the texture of the water and architectural details, emphasizing the city's unique atmosphere. The photograph's sharp resolution allows us to see the details of the gondolas, the costumes of the participants, and the architectural features along the canal, inviting us to consider the labor and skill involved in maintaining this cultural spectacle. Naya’s photograph stands as evidence of the convergence of craft, spectacle, and place, challenging any distinction between art and artifact.