Gezicht op het Dogepaleis en twee daarvoor staande zuilen in Venetië, op de achtergrond de basiliek van Santa Maria della Salute 1872 - 1876

This albumen print shows the Doge's Palace and its adjacent columns in Venice, and was made by Jean Andrieu in the mid-19th century. Venice, with its unique geography and powerful history as a mercantile republic, offers a specific cultural context for image-making. The Doge's Palace, a symbol of Venetian power, stands as a testament to the city's historical significance. The columns, topped with the Lion of Saint Mark, further emphasize Venice's self-conscious connection to its history and to the Catholic church. Venice was not just a city, but a complex political entity, navigating trade routes and diplomatic relations. This print, produced during a period of growing tourism, reflects how Venice marketed itself as a destination steeped in history and cultural richness. Understanding this photograph requires us to examine the social and institutional frameworks that shaped both its creation and reception. Resources in social and institutional history will help us understand Venice as a symbol of both civic pride and the power of the Catholic church.