Canal Grande met Palazzo Sagredo en Cà d'Oro, Venetië c. 1880 - 1895

This photograph of the Canal Grande, featuring the Palazzo Sagredo and Cà d'Oro in Venice, was taken by the Alinari brothers. The Alinari studio, established in Florence, Italy, in the mid-19th century, played a pivotal role in shaping the visual culture of the time. While the individuals in the gondolas remain anonymous, we can speculate that they might have been wealthy tourists or local aristocrats, as gondola rides were a luxury. Think about the labor that is not visible here: who built the Palazzos? Who maintains them? Who works as servants in them? The photograph itself, with its sepia tones and sharp focus, evokes a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era. It captures not just the grand architecture of Venice, but also the subtle play of light on the water and the quiet rhythm of life along the canal. It reflects the cultural values of the time, which emphasized beauty, history, and the romantic allure of Venice. This image prompts us to consider not only what is depicted, but also who is included and excluded from this representation of Venetian life.