Gruyeres c. 1930

H. Y. Summons made this photogravure titled 'Gruyeres', capturing a Swiss building using a process that merges photography and etching. The photogravure technique gained traction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and was seen as a way for photography to be considered fine art. Summons' choice to depict a European building connects with the popularity of 'picturesque' views from this period. A romanticized notion of the past and an interest in rural life were key characteristics of the Picturesque movement, which was a reaction to the industrial revolution and the growth of cities. To fully understand this image, we would need to investigate the history of photography as a fine art, as well as the cultural fascination with picturesque scenes and how it informed artistic practices during the time this work was made. Ultimately, this artwork and others like it reflect the complex interplay between art, technology, and cultural values.