Gezicht op de Rue du Tilleul in Fribourg 1897

Ernest Lorson made this photograph of Rue du Tilleul in Fribourg. The photographic process, which by Lorson’s time was commercially well-established, is at the heart of this image. The black-and-white print captures a moment in time, freezing the hustle and bustle of city life. Lorson likely used a large-format camera, a tool that demanded patience and skill. This photograph isn't just a snapshot; it's a carefully composed view of urban life. Note the way the light falls on the buildings and the figures populating the street. It’s a record of a specific place, time, and social context, making the ordinary street scene into something worth preserving. So, next time you look at a photograph, think about the labor, the technology, and the choices that went into creating that seemingly simple image. It's a reminder that even the most everyday images are rich with cultural and historical meaning.