Heidelberg 1853 - 1857

This sepia-toned photograph of Heidelberg was captured by John Joscelyn Coghill using the collodion process. Coghill’s choice of subject matter provides a window into the cultural values of the Victorian era. Heidelberg, a German city steeped in history and romance, held particular appeal for 19th-century sensibilities. Its ruined castle, a visible testament to time's passage, would have resonated with the era's fascination with the past and its contemplation of mortality. We can understand this image as an early example of heritage tourism. The emerging middle classes now had the time and resources for international travel, fuelled by the expansion of the railways. Heidelberg was already becoming a popular tourist destination, offering picturesque views of romantic ruins. Understanding Coghill's place within the history of photography allows us to appreciate how new technologies shape perception and representation. Further research into the distribution of such images would give us a greater appreciation of the socio-economic context of Heidelberg and its reception.