Gezicht op Rio en Palazzo Albrizzi in Venetië before 1898

This photogravure presents a view of the Rio and Palazzo Albrizzi in Venice, captured by an anonymous artist. The choice of Venice, a city steeped in history and romance, immediately sets a stage laden with cultural significance. At first glance, the still water and quiet facades might evoke a sense of timeless beauty, but if we look closer, we might consider the city's relationship to trade and empire. In the Western imagination, Venice has often been represented as a site of cultural exchange, yet the actual history of Venice is complex, involving a powerful merchant class and a sometimes brutal relationship with the East. Photogravure, as a medium, adds another layer, as it allowed for detailed reproduction of images, making scenes like this accessible to a wider audience, thus shaping perceptions and narratives of Venice. So, while the artist remains unknown, this view invites us to ponder the narratives and power structures embedded in our visions of iconic places.