Gezicht op le Lac Chambon te Mont-Dore 1870 - 1900

Étienne Neurdein made this photograph of le Lac Chambon in France sometime in the late 19th century. Neurdein specialized in picturesque views, which became increasingly popular among tourists at the time. The rise of tourism was closely linked to the expansion of the railway network. As train travel became more accessible, the French countryside became a playground for urban dwellers seeking leisure and recreation. Picturesque views played a crucial role in marketing these destinations, shaping perceptions of regions like Mont-Dore. This area was popular for its volcanic landscape and spa, promising visitors an escape from modern life. Neurdein's photograph reflects these trends, offering a romanticized vision of rural France as a respite from the social and industrial changes of the period. Historians of photography can draw on travel guides, postcards, and railway company archives to understand the cultural significance of such images. The meaning of art is always contingent on social and institutional context.