Gezicht op het plein en de kathedraal van Milaan 1880 - 1920

This photograph of the square and cathedral in Milan was taken by Giacomo Brogi sometime in the late 19th century, using a process that chemically fixes light onto a paper surface. Consider the amount of work involved in creating this image. Beyond Brogi's skill in capturing this view, we must acknowledge the labor and materials required to produce photographic paper during this period. The glass plates used for negatives had to be meticulously prepared with light-sensitive emulsions, and the printing process itself demanded precision and expertise. Photographs like this catered to a growing market for tourism and documentation, and the consumption of images became an increasingly important aspect of modern life. Brogi’s photograph, therefore, is not just a depiction of Milan, but also an artifact of a rapidly industrializing society. By considering these aspects, we can appreciate how this image sits at the intersection of art, craft, and commerce.