Façade van het Koninklijk Paleis in Sevilla 1880 - 1900

Rafael Garzón made this photograph of the Royal Palace in Seville, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century, using a process that was still relatively new at the time. Photography, more than most visual media, is tied to industrial production. The materials needed to make this image, like the glass plate, the developing chemicals, and the paper it's printed on, all rely on factories and supply chains. Even the act of taking the photo is dependent on a machine, the camera, with its precisely calibrated lens and shutter. And then there’s the labor involved in making these photographs. It seems like an easy process to us now, but back then, it required a lot of skill and time to get a good result. Garzón would have needed a keen eye, technical knowledge, and a steady hand to create this image. Considering all that goes into it, this photograph isn't just a pretty picture. It's a product of its time, reflecting the rise of industry and the changing ways we create and consume art.