Bronzen deur van de San Marco in Venetië before 1885

This photograph by Carl Heinrich Jacobi captures a bronze door of San Marco in Venice. Imagine the labour that went into creating the original doors, the skill required to cast such intricate latticework in solid metal. Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin, prized for its durability and resistance to corrosion – practical considerations for a city built on water. The doors aren’t just functional, they’re a statement of Venice's wealth and power. The design speaks to a cross-cultural exchange of ideas and materials, reflecting Venice's role as a major trading hub. Looking at Jacobi's photograph, we can consider the labour involved not only in the original doors, but also in capturing this image. Photography in the 19th century was a complex chemical process, requiring meticulous work. This image invites us to think about the relationship between craft, technology, and the representation of cultural heritage.