Anonymous
Panorama Del Campanile della Chiesa Di S. Carlo Milano, (Panorama of the Bell Tower of the Church of San Carlo Milan)
c. 1870s or 1880s
albumen print
7 3/4 x 9 1/5″ (19.7 x 25.2 cm)
Gift of Lee Gallery, 2012
Wetmore Print Collection, Connecticut College
CC-2012-083

The Grand Tour, which introduced privileged elite from other countries to the art and culture of Italy and France was at a peak c.1880. Collecting souvenirs of monuments became common practice. Technological developments allowed for large numbers of images to be produced and sold, anonymously. The focal point of this albumen print is the church, standing in contrast to the shadows surrounding it. An anonymous image of a well-known church, such as this, reminds the viewer that the Grand Tourists were eager to procure mementos of their travels, highlighting their elite desire to show they were well traveled and knowledgeable about architecture, such as the Bell Tower of the Church in San Carlo, Milan.