Paviljoen boven de Kruisbronnen te Mariënbad before 1878

This photographic print by František Fridrich captures the Paviljoen boven de Kruisbronnen te Mariënbad. Although undated, Fridrich was active in the latter half of the 19th century. Consider the historical context. The image is part of a book, acting as a visual supplement to textual descriptions of Mariënbad, today Mariánské Lázně, a spa town. During the 19th century, such spas were destinations for the European elite, offering not only health benefits but also serving as social hubs where class distinctions were both reinforced and sometimes transgressed. Fridrich's image, therefore, isn't merely a neutral depiction of architecture; it’s a carefully constructed promotion of a lifestyle centered around leisure and health that was only accessible to the wealthy. Reflect on the emotional experience evoked by this image. Does it spark a longing for a bygone era of elegance, or does it provoke critical questions about social inequality and access to wellness?