Milan, The Cathedral of the Royal Palace c. 1870s

Curator: This albumen print presents Giacomo Brogi’s “Milan, The Cathedral of the Royal Palace.” It’s a stunning view of the Duomo. Editor: It's overwhelmingly ornate; the labor involved in its construction must have been immense. One wonders about the social conditions of the workers. Curator: Indeed. Photography like this played a crucial role in shaping perceptions of Italian national identity and architectural prowess. Brogi was deeply enmeshed in that project. Editor: The density of detail, captured through the photographic process itself, speaks to the city's ambitions and the exploitation of resources. Curator: And its accessibility – making such grandeur available to the masses. Editor: Ultimately, it prompts reflection on the human cost embedded within such displays of power. Curator: A striking image, regardless of the observer’s viewpoint.