Gezicht op de Matterhorn en Hotel du Riffel c. 1871

"Gezicht op de Matterhorn en Hotel du Riffel" is a photographic work by Swiss photographer Florentin Charnaux, dating back to around 1871. Charnaux, known for his landscape photography, captures the majestic Matterhorn, a prominent peak in the Alps, and the nearby Hotel du Riffel. This albumen print, measuring 55 mm in height and 89 mm in width, showcases the scenic beauty of the Swiss Alps and the increasing popularity of mountain tourism in the 19th century. The image's composition highlights the imposing grandeur of the Matterhorn, contrasted with the smaller scale of the hotel nestled at its base, emphasizing the vastness of the natural world. This photograph is an excellent example of early alpine photography and a testament to the power of capturing the natural world through the lens.