Gezicht op Bad Herrenalb 1899

This photograph of Bad Herrenalb, by Albert Schmidt, invites us to consider how landscapes embody both natural beauty and human intervention. Without specific dates, we can still reflect on what landscape photography, particularly in black and white, meant culturally and socially. Think about the rise of tourism and leisure during this time, particularly amongst the middle and upper classes. Places like Bad Herrenalb, nestled in the Black Forest, became synonymous with health, relaxation, and an escape from the industrializing cities. Schmidt's photograph captures this allure, presenting an orderly, picturesque scene. But who had access to these retreats, and whose labor maintained them? The image is more than just a pretty view; it reflects a particular way of seeing and experiencing the world, shaped by class and social status. It invites us to reflect on how notions of leisure and well-being are always interwoven with questions of access and social equity. What stories remain untold in this seemingly idyllic image?