Looppad door de Aareschlucht te Zwitserland 1880 - 1900

Giorgio Sommer made this photograph of the Aareschlucht in Switzerland using albumen silver print. This image captures the sublime experience of nature, but it also reveals the increasing accessibility of such landscapes in the late 19th century. The constructed walkway cutting through the gorge becomes a symbol of man's dominion over nature and reflects a growing interest in leisure and tourism among the middle classes. Sommer, an Italian-German photographer working primarily in Italy, capitalized on the burgeoning tourist industry by producing scenic views for travelers. The image creates meaning through its visual codes, contrasting the rough, natural texture of the gorge with the smooth, artificial path. The work speaks to the cultural interest in both preserving and taming the natural world. By examining photographic journals, tourist guides, and other printed materials, we can better understand the social conditions that made such images popular and gain insight into the complex relationship between humans and nature during this period.