Gezicht op Thusis en het begin van de Via Mala before 1899

Curator: We are looking at a photograph titled “Gezicht op Thusis en het begin van de Via Mala,” taken before 1899, and it’s currently held in the Rijksmuseum collection. It's a gelatin silver print, and the photographer is Photoglob & Co. Editor: It has a hushed feeling, almost sepulchral in its tones. The composition leads my eye deep into the valley, guided by these very geometric clusters of buildings against an imposing natural backdrop. The print itself has an impressive tonal range, which adds considerable depth to the view. Curator: Indeed. Cityscapes set against powerful landscapes like this were incredibly popular in the 19th century, evoking feelings of sublime beauty but also human insignificance when set against the grandeur of nature. Mountains have always been invested with symbolic weight. Consider their relationship with spiritual transcendence. Editor: Absolutely. The sharp contrasts between the lit parts and shadows carve out the valley, producing very powerful three-dimensionality. Did the photographers perhaps manipulate contrast in printing? This would emphasise the dialogue between darkness and light. Curator: The photograph’s focus on the Via Mala suggests more than just the picturesque. “Via Mala” translates to "bad road", reflecting the difficulty of crossing through the landscape. Therefore it invites consideration of the human experience and how symbolic narratives such as difficult journeys might resonate with wider society and its shared values. Editor: Good point. And in that regard, it would be intriguing to analyze the arrangement of the houses, all in ordered rows. Is that to emphasize societal control within such a naturally anarchic space? The human imposition of grid structures upon a natural valley? Curator: I think it is both! It underscores the tension between the community and the landscape that surrounds them, something the artists intended the viewer to read. Also, this valley would likely represent connection to something very old; a reminder of temporal changes. Editor: A successful photograph that balances the allure of scenery with quiet hints about human endeavour and experience, which is all expertly handled in gradations of silver gelatin. It offers a rich composition that invites the eye to journey along those winding roads, reflecting an exploration of order and challenge inherent within both human and natural realms.