Gezicht op het meer van Albano en Castel Gandolfo 1817 - 1888

Joseph Meganck made this print of Lake Albano and Castel Gandolfo with etching. This image evokes the picturesque tradition, offering a composed view of nature alongside figures, all framed by trees. Meganck was Belgian, but the Italian scene here speaks to the rise of tourism and its impact on artistic production. The mid-19th century saw an increase in travel among the European middle class, often facilitated by new rail networks. Italy, with its classical heritage and scenic landscapes, became a prime destination. Artists responded by creating easily reproducible images for consumption by tourists, enabling them to return home with memories of the places they had visited. This print thus reflects a changing relationship between art and society. It is less about patronage and more about a market driven by a new culture of leisure. By researching travel guides and other popular imagery of the time, we can better understand Meganck's print and how it participated in shaping perceptions of Italy for a growing public.