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Stanford University
'Exquisite Reality' exhibition explores the political power of early photography

'Exquisite Reality' exhibition explores the political power of early photography

An image of the Roman Forum in the 19th century.

Gaetano Pedo Studio (Italian, 1880–1890), The Roman Forum, Rome (Roma, Foro Romano), 19th century. Albumen print. Museum Purchase Fund, 1973.63.2

"Exquisite Reality" features historical photos from the latter half of the 19th century and explores how photographers' artistic choices, such as framing or lighting, could affect how viewers perceived the subject.