Gezicht op de Silberhorn, de Mittaghorn, de Grosshorn, de Breithorn en de Tschingelhorn in de Berner Alpen 1870s - 1880s

Arthur Gabler made this photographic print of the Silberhorn, Mittaghorn, Grosshorn, Breithorn and Tschingelhorn in the Bernese Alps. Photography, though now commonplace, was once a labor-intensive process, involving a complex interplay of chemistry, optics, and skilled handiwork. The final print, rendered in tones of gray, results from a carefully controlled chemical reaction on light-sensitive paper. Its surface, though seemingly flat, carries subtle textures imparted by the developing process. This image is as much a product of industrial advances in materials as it is of Gabler’s artistic eye. Think about the infrastructure required to produce, distribute, and ultimately consume photography in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This was a time when leisure and tourism were rapidly expanding. The ability to capture and share scenic views like this one became a powerful tool for promoting these activities. By considering the social and material context of this photograph, we gain a richer understanding of its cultural significance. It's not just a pretty picture; it's a testament to the power of industry, leisure and technological innovation.