Gondels in het Canal Grande te Venetië c. 1865 - 1885

Carlo Ponti made this albumen print of the Grand Canal in Venice sometime in the mid- to late-19th century. What makes this image worth dwelling on is the institution of tourism that made Venice such a popular destination for wealthy Europeans. By the time this photo was taken, Venice’s political and economic power had waned, but its rich history and unique geography were seen as aesthetically pleasing. You can see the gondolas, which were once essential for navigating the city, now repurposed as leisure craft for tourists eager to experience the romantic allure of Venice. The image flattens the lived experience of Venetians, focusing instead on the picturesque views and the historical associations. To understand its full meaning, we might look at guidebooks, travelogues, and other visual representations of Venice from this period. This photograph is a valuable piece of evidence that reflects the social and economic forces that shaped both the city and its image.