Gezicht op een meer in de Dolomieten, Italië before 1878

This image is from Eugène Goblet d'Alviella’s book showcasing a view of a lake in the Dolomite Mountains in Italy, published sometime between the mid to late 19th century. D'Alviella’s vision of the Italian landscape speaks volumes about the cultural moment in which it was created. The 19th century saw the rise of the European aristocracy, for whom travel became both a status symbol and an essential part of their cultural education. This image is more than just a depiction of a serene landscape; it is a carefully constructed narrative of leisure and privilege. The framing of the shot, the angle, and the very act of documenting this vista speak to a specific experience—one afforded by class and social standing. How do we reconcile the romantic allure of these landscapes with the socio-economic realities of the time? How does our understanding of history shape the way we perceive not just the beauty, but also the inherent power dynamics within these images? It’s a potent reminder that what we see is always filtered through the lens of history and identity.