Gezicht op Luzern met op de achtergrond de berg Rigi before 1899

This photograph of Lucerne with Mount Rigi in the background was taken by Photoglob & Co. in 1899. It’s a picturesque view from the Gütsch hill, capturing the city's rooftops, the lake, and the prominent mountain. But this isn't just a simple landscape; it speaks to the burgeoning tourist industry of late 19th-century Switzerland. The detailed rendering of Lucerne and the majestic Rigi catered to a growing market for scenic views. The success of Photoglob & Co. was tied to the rise of tourism, and institutions like hotels and railway companies played a vital role in shaping the public’s perception of Switzerland. To truly understand this image, we must consider the historical context of Swiss tourism, the marketing strategies employed by Photoglob & Co., and the cultural values that elevated the Swiss landscape to an object of beauty. Only then can we grasp the full significance of this photograph.