Gezicht op een waterval bij Sankt Blasien c. 1893 - 1900

This photograph of a waterfall near Sankt Blasien was captured by H. Kaiser, though we aren’t sure exactly when. In the late nineteenth century, advances in photographic technology led to smaller, cheaper prints like this one. The rise of tourism also shaped photography as picturesque views, like this waterfall, became popular souvenirs. The photographer's prominent branding and 'photographic atelier' stamp connect it to a specific commercial enterprise. Here we see how the development of tourism as an industry resulted in a democratisation of art, as photographs such as this became more readily available to a wider audience. Historians can use census records, business directories, and archives to trace the history of photography studios. Researching tourism trends would also give us a clearer understanding of the photograph. By exploring these contextual elements, we gain a deeper appreciation for how art reflects social and economic forces.