Santa Croce te Florence before 1863

This is a photograph of Santa Croce in Florence, made by Giacomo Brogi sometime in the 19th century. It's a relatively small print, likely made using the albumen process, which was popular at the time for its sharp detail and tonal range. What strikes me most is how this image speaks to the rise of tourism and the commodification of culture. Photography in the 19th century became a powerful tool for capturing and circulating images of famous landmarks like Santa Croce. Brogi, as a commercial photographer, was essentially producing souvenirs, catering to the growing demand from travelers who wanted to take a piece of Florence home with them. The albumen process itself is interesting here. It involved coating paper with egg white and then sensitizing it with silver nitrate. It’s a fairly labor-intensive process, requiring skilled hands and precise chemical control. This hints at the complex relationship between art, craft, and industry in the 19th century, as photography moved from a niche practice to a mass-produced commodity. It reminds us of the way that making and context are crucial to understanding its cultural significance.