Façade van de San Miniato al Monte te Florence, Italië 1864 - 1881

Giacomo Brogi made this albumen print of the façade of San Miniato al Monte in Florence, Italy. Brogi lived at a time when photography was still a relatively new medium, and its use was intertwined with the social and cultural values of the 19th century. Here, Brogi meticulously captures the geometric patterns and the classical elements of the church's facade. The basilica, of course, predates Brogi’s photograph by many centuries. Its origins date back to 1013, with its marble façade completed much later. Consider the rise of secularism during this period, and the development of the Grand Tour. Photography allowed for the democratization of imagery, and this print may have been acquired as a souvenir of sorts. By studying Brogi's choices as an artist, the subject he selected, and the techniques he employed, we gain a deeper understanding of the cultural values of his time. To further our understanding, we would consider Brogi's other works, period guidebooks, and the history of tourism.