View of Pisa Along The Arno River (Back)

Avoiding a depiction of Pisa's more famous monuments such as the Leaning Tower, the daguerreotypist focused his camera on a quiet road winding along the Arno River. Scattered carriages and pedestrians punctuate the roadway, while moored boats nestle snugly in the water near a flight of steps. The sunlight spreading across the line of palaces and reflected in the river is the real subject of this serene image. The photographer captured not only the splendid advancing light but also the minute shadows and reflections that it created.