Steamer in Lake Thun, Switzerland c. 1860

Adolphe Braun made this photograph of a Steamer in Lake Thun in Switzerland in the mid-19th century using the albumen print process. The image captures a moment of transition, as steam power begins to transform transportation and leisure in the Swiss landscape. Braun's choice to focus on the steamer is significant, as it represents the encroachment of industrial technology on the natural world. The image subtly critiques the idea of progress, questioning whether technological advancement comes at the cost of environmental degradation. The photograph thus provides a visual commentary on the changing social and economic landscape of 19th-century Switzerland. To fully understand this artwork, research into the history of tourism, transportation, and industrialization in Switzerland, as well as Braun’s other works will be required. By exploring these resources, we can gain a richer understanding of the photograph's historical context and its significance as a cultural artifact.