Gezicht op de Dom van Aken 1897

This print, depicting the Aachen Cathedral, was created by Stengel & Co. The photographic print is a compelling example of how industrial processes can capture and disseminate images widely. Its materiality – paper, a product of industrial forestry and chemical processing, coated with light-sensitive emulsions – speaks to the industrialized nature of image production. Consider the labor involved; from the factory workers producing the photographic materials to the photographers capturing the image, and the printers making multiple copies. It is also worth noting the social context of this image. Photography democratized visual representation, and made sights such as this cathedral accessible to a broader public. Looking at this print, we can appreciate how its inherent qualities – its tonal range, resolution, and scale – shape our perception, and offer insight into the social and economic systems that made its production possible. Appreciating the full meaning of this artwork challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.