Interieur van de Basilica della Santissima Annunziata te Florence met zicht op het koor before 1890

This photograph depicts the interior of the Basilica della Santissima Annunziata in Florence. Though the artist is anonymous, the image itself is a testament to the development of photographic processes and their ability to capture and disseminate images of architectural marvels. The photograph's monochrome palette emphasizes the textures of the basilica’s interior. Note the high ceilings and ornamented walls, all of which speak to the labor and skill involved in the Basilica’s construction and decoration. The tools and techniques, drawn from both craft and fine art traditions, embody the social and cultural values of the time. Consider the wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption evident in the photograph. The image invites us to think about who built this Basilica and how they made it. By emphasizing materials, making, and context, we can better understand the full meaning of the photograph and challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.