Gezicht op de Royal Arch in Dundee before 1890

This image of the Royal Arch in Dundee was produced by Valentine & Sons, a pioneering firm in the world of photographic postcards. Printed en masse, these cards used the then-new technology of photography to create a sense of place and commemoration. The material itself – a thin card, easily reproducible – speaks to the burgeoning tourist industry and a desire to capture fleeting moments. It is a far cry from the unique experience afforded by an original work of art. The sharp focus and monochrome palette give it a sense of realism, while the composition frames the arch as a monument to civic pride. It is important to consider the social and economic context in which this image was made and circulated, and how the techniques of photographic reproduction democratized the creation and distribution of images. This postcard isn't just a snapshot of a place; it's a window into a world of mass production and visual culture, challenging the conventional boundaries of art and craft.