Gezicht op het Dachsteingebergte 1885

This is Friedrich Simony's "View of the Dachstein Mountains", made using an early photographic process. The photograph, likely a silver gelatin print, captures the towering Dachstein range with remarkable clarity. But more than just a scenic view, this image offers a fascinating glimpse into the social context of 19th-century photography. It would have involved a labour-intensive process, from preparing the light-sensitive materials to carefully developing the print. Photography in this era was not just about pointing a camera and clicking a button. It required a deep understanding of chemistry, optics, and meticulous darkroom practices. This print is as much a record of Simony's technical skill, and those of the people involved in producing photographic materials, as it is a depiction of the Austrian landscape. By considering the materials, making processes, and social context of the era, we can appreciate the full significance of this photograph, and how photography relates to the traditions of fine art and craft.