Gezicht op Rigi Kulm 19th century

This print, by an anonymous artist, shows the Auberge at Rigi Kulm. Rigi Kulm, in Switzerland, became a popular tourist destination in the 19th century. This image captures a moment in the development of leisure culture, before mass tourism took hold. Note the figures scattered across the scene, some on foot, others on horseback, all seemingly engaged in a leisurely ascent. The inclusion of livestock alongside tourists creates a charming juxtaposition of the traditional rural economy and the emerging tourism industry. Even in the early days of tourism, there was a self-conscious sense of the picturesque. The print suggests an awareness of itself as an image made for consumption by visitors. Understanding the social and economic context is crucial. Tourist guidebooks, travelogues, and other publications can reveal more about the site's history and its appeal to visitors. Analyzing such sources can help us understand the evolving relationship between art, tourism, and cultural identity.