Gezicht op de Capa Zafferano vanuit Solunto, Sicilië 1857 - 1914

This albumen print of Capo Zafferano from Solunto, Sicily was created by Giorgio Sommer sometime in the late 19th century. The albumen process, which involves coating paper with egg white and silver nitrate, was a popular photographic technique at the time. The choice of this medium itself speaks to the convergence of science and art that characterised the era, turning chemistry into aesthetics. The sepia tone of the photograph comes from the materials used and gives it a timeless, almost romantic feel. The amount of work involved in producing such a photograph – from preparing the chemicals to carefully controlling exposure times – is a testament to the skill and labor involved in early photography. Sommer's choice to document this particular view reflects the growing interest in travel and exploration. By framing the landscape through the lens of his camera, he invites us to consider not just the beauty of the natural world, but also the cultural and social contexts in which it is viewed and consumed.