Gezicht op hotel Gornergrat met de Matterhorn 1897

This black and white photograph, titled 'View of the Gornergrat Hotel with the Matterhorn,' captures a scene of Swiss alpinism by an anonymous artist. In the late 19th century, the ascendance of mountain tourism coincided with the golden age of alpinism, creating new leisure activities for the European middle class. This image signifies more than just a landscape; it subtly speaks to the intersection of class, leisure, and the commodification of nature. The Gornergrat Hotel, perched high in the mountains, represents a sort of outpost of comfort amidst the rugged landscape. The sublime, snow-capped Matterhorn looms in the background, and together they epitomize the romantic allure of the Alps. However, behind the idyllic scene lies the labor and infrastructure required to construct and maintain such a hotel. This image raises questions about accessibility, and who gets to experience this carefully curated version of nature. It reveals a constructed environment where nature is simultaneously revered and tamed.