Hotel Monte d'Oro in Vizzavona op Corsica c. 1886 - 1896

This photograph of the Hotel Monte d'Oro in Vizzavona, Corsica was taken by Henry Pauw van Wieldrecht. The image captures a moment of leisure and privilege in a specific time and place. Van Wieldrecht, who moved in wealthy Dutch circles, presents us with a scene of upper-class tourism. What does it mean to travel and seek leisure, when so many are unable to do so? The hotel itself stands as a symbol of economic disparity, catering to those who can afford its comforts while likely employing local labor under different conditions. Notice the figures scattered around the hotel's grounds; mostly women, in long dresses, who are seemingly on display. The hotel becomes a stage for performing social roles and class distinctions. The act of travel itself becomes intertwined with identity, shaping how these individuals see themselves and are seen by others. Consider how the image makes you feel. Does it evoke a sense of nostalgia, exclusion, or curiosity about a bygone era? How do you think the artist’s own identity shaped what he chose to capture, and what he left out?