Wandelaars steken het Mer de Glace over bij Chamonix before 1880

Auguste Garcin's "Wandelaars steken het Mer de Glace over bij Chamonix" is a black and white photograph that captures a group of hikers traversing the Mer de Glace glacier in Chamonix, France. The image was taken before 1880 and showcases the popularity of alpine tourism in the 19th century. The composition features a long line of hikers, some carrying walking sticks, as they navigate the icy landscape, emphasizing the scale and grandeur of the natural setting. This photograph is a testament to the artistic and documentary value of early photography, particularly as it captures a specific moment in time and provides insights into the evolving cultural landscape. The photograph is a great example of the "Albumen print" process, which was popular in the mid-19th century.