Gezicht op het Palazzo Foscari te Venetië, Italië 1857 - 1914

This photograph of the Palazzo Foscari in Venice was taken by Giorgio Sommer, using an albumen print. The albumen process, invented in 1850, involves coating paper with egg white and silver nitrate, creating a light-sensitive surface. This technique, requiring careful preparation and handling, allowed for detailed and tonally rich images. Sommer, as a commercial photographer, likely employed assistants, dividing labor to meet the demand for picturesque views of Italy. The sepia tones and sharp details of the photograph highlight the architectural grandeur of the Palazzo. The material qualities of the albumen print – its smooth surface and subtle sheen – enhance the visual experience, inviting viewers to appreciate the craftsmanship involved, and consider the wider social context of early photography as both art and industry.