Figure 1.--Here is one of Bruno's ethnographic images from Sicily (Taormina) being sold as a cabinet card in Dresden, Germany. The photograph would have been taken in the 1880s. The sale in Germany may be the result of Von Von Gloeden's involvement. Working class children in Italy were normally barefoot during the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. Looking at this image, it is likely that this girl has never worn footwear.

Bruno had the luxury of a wife who could finance his photographic endevorss. We do not know to what extent he was able to sell or market his images. Or for that matter had any inclination to do so. Ethnographic imagery began with art. Ethnographioc photography became important in the late-19th century. We do see some images being sold in Germany, but that may be Von Gloeden's work. We believe these images were sold for scrapbooking collections or to be included in CDV or cabunet card albums. Interestinly, the CDV seems to have taken off because of an interest in Napoleon III. Just in which countries these images were sold we are not sure. We think that countries at the time had the greatest interest in their colonies. We are not sure about interest in other European countries or America. This is somewhat related to the interest in stereo view cards which were small twin photographs. The movies or magazines with photographs did not yet exist. Yet there was a great interest in images of the wider world. Illustrated magazines had engraved images, but not photographs. (Photo-lithography did not become a reality until the turn-of-the 20th century.) Yet there was great interest in images of important people, colonies and colonial people, wildlife, monuments and other matters of interest.

Created: 3:46 PM 5/1/2023
Last updated: 3:46 PM 5/1/2023