Gezicht op Graz, Oostenrijk 1867 - 1900

Karl Weingartshofer’s photograph captures Graz, Austria. The image is muted, sepia toned, a ‘panorama from the Murufer gesehen’, or panorama as seen from the Mur riverbank. The photograph offers a window into a specific moment in time, before the world knew climate change and widespread pollution. It suggests a time when the relationship between the city and its natural surroundings was more harmonious, yet reminds us that photographs can often be deceiving. What this image really captures is the power and privilege inherent in landscape photography. The image constructs a particular view of Austrian identity, one deeply rooted in the land, and in the architectural achievements of empire and church. However, it’s important to remember that this view often excludes the voices and experiences of marginalized communities. It invites us to think about the stories that aren't told, the people who aren't seen. It's a quiet image, but one that speaks volumes about representation, power, and the complexities of history.