Gezicht op Montreux aan het Meer van Genève, in de verte de Dents du Midi 1870 - 1890

This photograph, “Gezicht op Montreux aan het Meer van Genève, in de verte de Dents du Midi,” was produced by E. Savioz, using photographic processes that were relatively new at the time. The sepia tones you see are a result of the chemical reactions on the treated paper, an example of how the material itself dictates the final aesthetic. Photography in this era was not just about capturing an image; it was about mastering a complex craft. It required knowledge of optics, chemistry, and printing, often involving laborious darkroom work. The image here presents a picturesque view, but it also hints at social stratification. The town and grand hotel reflect a society where leisure and tourism were becoming increasingly important, yet the labor involved in constructing and maintaining these spaces remains unseen. Considering the processes behind such a photograph allows us to appreciate not only the view but also the social and economic context of its making.