Gezicht op Monte Carlo vanaf Monaco c. 1890 - 1900

Curator: This albumen print, titled "View of Monte Carlo from Monaco," attributed to Étienne Neurdein, captures a fascinating perspective around the turn of the 20th century. Editor: There's a certain stillness, almost a sepia-toned silence, despite the architectural grandeur and suggestion of bustling life. I’m curious about the precise method— the tonality is so delicate. Curator: Neurdein’s work often documented architectural marvels and landscapes, reflecting both the Orientalist and Realist styles popular at the time. Think about the labor required to produce these prints— the skilled technicians and the social context they operated within. Editor: And the context! The materials— glass plate negatives coated with light-sensitive emulsion, the development process itself— all contributing to the unique aesthetic. How accessible would these prints have been at the time, given the expense of photography? Curator: Precisely! Photography like this reinforced the exclusivity of places like Monte Carlo, portraying them as luxurious destinations. It fueled aspirations and a certain level of cultural capital. Notice the carefully chosen vantage point – the photographer clearly wanted to convey the wealth and sophistication of Monte Carlo to the print's consumer. Editor: Yes, but I also wonder about the actual work it took to prepare a location like that for the tourist gaze. I think of the working class people involved in maintaining such a carefully curated experience. It also presents a sense of distance - both geographical and socioeconomic. Curator: True, it masks the underlying economic inequalities, which were a common theme of concern in Europe at the time this image was made. We also shouldn't forget the technological advancements needed for image capture like this - and the investment made by the wealthy in supporting artists like Neurdein. Editor: I find the interplay between light and shadow particularly interesting. The textures of the stone buildings almost seem to become soft against the brightness reflected by the sea. A delicate balance despite the strong lines that create the structure. Curator: Absolutely. The act of selecting that perfect perspective to appeal to the buyers becomes part of this image’s larger story. It reminds us to question the social narratives of luxury and exclusivity propagated by photographs like these. Editor: I agree, seeing how the medium, material choices, and subject intersect invites us to question not only Neurdein’s original vision but our contemporary perspective as well. A single albumen print holding within it social context, material composition, and visual politics.