Straatgezicht met een vrouw in klederdracht op de Höhenweg in Interlaken c. 1880 - 1910

This photograph, taken by Photoglob & Co., captures a street scene in Interlaken. As a photographic print, it relies on both chemical and mechanical processes. The image begins with the action of light on a sensitized surface, yet the print is not unique; it could be reproduced many times over, as a distinctly modern commodity. The photograph’s material qualities—its tonal range and sharp focus—influence our perception of the scene, with the composition carefully arranged. Beyond the woman in traditional dress, we see the trappings of tourism, such as horse-drawn carriages. The very act of capturing and disseminating this image speaks to the rise of leisure travel, and the commercialization of culture. Consider the layers of labor involved. Not only that of the photographer, but also the work that went into constructing the scene itself, and even the labor of maintaining the urban environment. By recognizing the role of these material and social dynamics, we move beyond a purely aesthetic appreciation.