Gezicht op een slaapkamer in de Vorstenburcht in Merano, Italië before 1891

Otto Schmidt created this view of a bedroom in the Vorstenburcht, located in Merano, Italy, using a photographic printing process. The resulting image showcases a world of textures, from the carved wooden panels to the woven textiles. Let's consider the materiality of the space itself. Wood, stone, and textiles were the primary materials available to create a luxurious, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing environment. The heavy use of wood signals a connection to craft traditions and a deep understanding of the material's inherent qualities. The construction of the architecture would have involved skilled labor, from the quarrying of the stones to the carving of the panels, and the weaving of textiles. By appreciating the materials and modes of production, we can see how social structures shaped the artwork and its function as an indicator of wealth.