Zeven gezichten op Messina, Italië before 1898

This is a photographic print of Messina in Italy, made by Jules Calas. It's a collaged page of black and white photographs, likely printed using photogravure. The images are neatly arranged, each offering a different view of the city. We see the cathedral, the harbor, and even the railway. The heart-shaped photo is an interesting sentimental touch that frames Messina as an idyllic location. The way that Calas has assembled these images speaks to the rise of mass media and printed ephemera, and hints at changing modes of cultural production. The choice of black and white photography adds a certain formality, typical of the time. This contrasts with the collage, an inherently modern form of art-making. The printmaking process itself involved skilled labor and industrial techniques, demonstrating the intertwining of art, technology, and the world of work. Calas captured Messina at a pivotal moment, where traditional artistry met new modes of production.