Gezicht op de Rue de la Corraterie in Genève before 1880

Auguste Garcin made this photograph, titled "View of the Rue de la Corraterie in Geneva," in the mid-19th century. It gives us a glimpse into the visual culture of the time, a period when photography was emerging as a powerful tool for documenting and shaping perceptions of urban life. The image presents a wide streetscape, likely in Switzerland. The architecture, bridge, and attire of the figures tell us about the social and economic structures of that era, the rise of the middle class, and their engagement with public spaces. Understanding this image requires diving into the historical context of photography, urban planning, and social life in 19th-century Geneva. Old newspapers and archives can reveal the purpose and impact of such images. By exploring these resources, we can understand the role of photography in representing and shaping perceptions of modernity during a period of rapid social and technological change.