Sculptuur en pinakels van de Dom van Milaan c. 1865 - 1890

Editor: So this is "Sculptuur en pinakels van de Dom van Milaan," a photograph from somewhere between 1865 and 1890 by I. Calzolari, done in albumen print. It's got such a stunning, almost overwhelming amount of detail. What catches your eye when you look at it? Curator: The intense verticality, undoubtedly. Consider that this image was created at a time of great political and social upheaval in Italy. These towering spires can be seen as assertions of power, perhaps reflecting the dominance of the Church or, conversely, a yearning for stability in a rapidly changing world. How do you see the role of architecture here? Editor: That's fascinating! I hadn't considered the political angle at all. I was mostly focused on the aesthetics of it. It does make me wonder who the intended audience for the photo was. Tourists? Curator: Possibly tourists, but more broadly, the rising bourgeoisie. Photography like this helped shape a national identity and celebrated industrial progress. These images made landmarks accessible and reinforced notions of cultural heritage and perhaps class aspiration. Editor: So it’s more than just a pretty picture. Curator: Precisely. Photography served a crucial function in constructing a national narrative, defining who belonged and what was valued. I wonder what kind of narratives people are creating with photographs now? Editor: This gives me so much to think about concerning the intentions behind landscape photography, and how deeply connected they are to the power structures of the time. Curator: Indeed! Examining art through this lens provides a richer understanding of both its historical significance and its continuing impact on us today.