Switzerland. Du. Swiss Illustrated Monthly. June 1952. Old Photographs from Swiss Collections.

Conzett & Huber (Zurich, Switzerland), 1952. Large magazine in wraps, about 12 3/4 x 9 3/4.. With introduction in English by Moira but most texts are in German. Very good minus with creases and spine wear, pages edges tanned. 66 pages with numerous illustrations, some full-page, some printed in silver, including 16 daguerreotypes and 17 early photographs by Jacob Höflinger and others. Two articles by Erich Stenger: "When Photography Began" and "Hillotype: The Greatest Hoax in the History of Photography,” about Levi Hill’s supposed invention of daguerreotypes in natural colors.  Article on Swiss daguerreotypes by Arnold Kübler, and more.  Summary:

The June 1952 issue of Du: Schweizerische Monatsschrift (Swiss Illustrated Monthly) is a landmark edition titled "Alte Photographie aus Schweizer Sammlungen" (Old Photographs from Swiss Collections). This specific issue is highly regarded by historians for its early, sophisticated treatment of photography as a serious subject of historical and cultural study.

Core Focus and Content

1. A Curated Retrospective

Rather than focusing on contemporary 1950s trends, this issue looks backward at the pioneering era of the medium. It draws from various private and institutional archives across Switzerland to present a rare collection of:

• Daguerreotypes: Early, one-of-a-kind mirrored images from the mid-19th century.

• Early Portraits: Striking studies of 19th-century society, ranging from the bourgeoisie to rural workers.

• Historical Landscapes: Documentation of Swiss cities and the Alps before the onset of modern tourism and industrialization.

2. High-Quality Reproductions

True to the reputation of Du, the magazine utilized superior printing techniques (specifically rotogravure) to ensure that the texture and tonal range of the original 19th-century plates were preserved. This allowed readers to appreciate the technical mastery of early photographers who worked with cumbersome equipment and long exposure times.

3. Editorial Perspective

The issue serves as a "museum on paper." The accompanying articles and captions contextualize the images not just as nostalgic artifacts, but as primary historical documents. It explores how the camera began to replace the painted portrait and how it fundamentally changed the way the Swiss perceived their own history and geography.

Significance in the Du Legacy

• Photography as Art: Du was a pioneer in treating photography with the same reverence as fine art or literature. This 1952 issue reinforced the idea that "old photos" were a vital part of the nation's visual heritage.

• Archive Preservation: By highlighting Swiss collections, the magazine brought public attention to the importance of archiving and preserving fragile photographic materials (like glass plates and salt prints) that were often neglected at the time.

• Cultural Identity: The collection provides a unique look at "Swissness" during the transition into the modern world, capturing the faces and places of a pre-World War era.

Summary Takeaway

The June 1952 issue of Du is a visual archive of 19th-century Switzerland. It stands as a testament to the magazine's commitment to high-brow cultural journalism, offering a rare and beautifully printed window into the dawn of the photographic age through the lens of Swiss heritage.