Kasteel in aanbouw, vermoedelijk aan de Middellandse Zee c. 1850 - 1875

This photograph by A. Davanne and M. Aleo, captures a castle under construction, likely on the Mediterranean coast. The image, a mounted albumen print, showcases a blend of natural and built environments, with a focus on the transition from raw materials to a constructed edifice. The inherent qualities of the materials—stone, mortar, and wood—dictate the castle's form. Consider the labor involved: quarrying stone, mixing mortar, shaping timber, and the sheer physical effort of construction. The image hints at the social context of the build: Who commissioned the castle? Who were the builders? What traditions of craftsmanship were employed? The photograph itself is a product of skilled labor, from the preparation of the photographic materials to the final print. By focusing on the materials and making, we can better appreciate how this image blurs the lines between art, craft, and industry, offering insight into the cultural values and social dynamics of its time.