Leporelloalbum met opnames van Sint-Petersburg c. 1880 - 1900

This souvenir album of St. Petersburg, by J. Daziaro, is made of photographs bound in a decorative cover, likely produced for tourists. The cover itself, with its embossed design and gilt lettering, signals a certain level of craftsmanship, even though it was likely mass-produced. The blue color and crisp typography give the object a distinctly modern feel, while the photographic views inside offer a glimpse into the city’s architecture and urban life. The material and construction of this album speak to the rise of consumer culture and the democratization of art. Photography allowed for the widespread distribution of images, turning landmarks into commodities. Albums like this were relatively inexpensive ways for people to own a piece of a place, democratizing access to visual culture. This object blurs the boundaries between art, craft, and souvenir. Its value lies not only in its aesthetic qualities but also in its ability to capture a moment in time and connect us to a shared history of travel, tourism, and the consumption of culture.