Untitled (II 13) c. 1890

Ferdinando Ongania made this photograph of Venice sometime in the late 19th century, using a process involving light-sensitive chemicals and treated paper. Photography in this period wasn’t the point-and-shoot affair we know today; it demanded patience and meticulous technique. The sepia tones weren't just an aesthetic choice, but a result of the chemical development process. Ongania would have needed a well-equipped darkroom, time, and skill to produce this evocative image. Consider, too, the labor involved in capturing the scene itself. Transporting bulky equipment around Venice, finding the perfect vantage point, waiting for the right light. All this effort speaks to photography's status as a new, exciting medium, straddling art and documentation. So, while this image might seem like a straightforward snapshot, it's actually the result of considerable material knowledge, technical skill, and an artistic eye. This challenges any strict separation of art from craft and design, inviting us to appreciate the making process inherent in all visual media.