Gezicht op een waterval in Zwitserland c. 1880 - 1920

Francis Frith captured this photograph of a Swiss waterfall using a wet collodion process, a popular method in the 19th century that allowed for detailed prints. Observe how Frith’s composition emphasizes the dramatic verticality of the falls, set against the rugged, dark-toned rocks. The flowing water creates a central, luminous stream that contrasts sharply with the solid, textured mountain faces, evoking both awe and a sense of sublime power. Frith’s decision to shoot in black and white reduces the scene to its essential forms, directing our focus to the textures and contrasts that define the landscape. This photograph participates in the Romantic-era fascination with nature's grandeur, interpreted through the relatively new medium of photography. Frith doesn’t just document the scene; he interprets it, presenting a constructed view that engages with contemporary aesthetic ideals about nature and the sublime. The photograph’s formal qualities—its balance of light and dark, texture and smoothness—serve to amplify the natural drama, creating a lasting visual impact.