[KRAKOW - Main Market Square with N. Panny Mary Church - view photograph]. [not before 1872, not after 1875]....

[KRAKOW - Main Market Square with the Church of N. Panna Marie - view photograph]. [not before 1872, not after 1875]. Photograph form. 9.6x13.4 cm on original backing form. 10.8x16.3 cm, by J[gnacy] Krieger in Cracow.
Depicts the northern frontage of the Market Square, St. Mary's Church, the Cloth Hall from the west, and the A-B line as seen from Szczepańska Street. On the lower margin of the plate print: "24th Main Market Square with the Church of N. Panny Maryi church." Photo pasted on original cardboard backing with red border and printed on the left margin of the backing: "J. Krieger in Cracow". On the back an advertising vignette printed: "J. Krieger Photographer in Krakow in the main Market Square on Sgo Jana Street in the corner house under L. 1". Below the imprint: "Imitation reserved". On the back handwritten notes in pencil. Good condition. Detailed description of the shot in J. Banach "Iconography of the Main Square in Cracow", pp. 280-281.
I. Krieger (1820-1889) - Cracow photographer, one of the pioneers of Polish photography. Known primarily for his 'krajowidok' - photographs of the architecture, streets and squares of Krakow. He was also the author of excellent portraits. He established his atelier in 1860, where he was eagerly photographed by Krakow's bourgeoisie, residents of the suburbs, and later also by Galician peasants. Among other things, he created a series of photographs of Galician residents - inhabitants of villages near Krakow, Jews from Kazimierz, highlanders from Podhale, Pieniny and Cieszyn Silesia, Hutsuls, Ruthenians and even gypsies from the tribe of Kliderash, whose caravan passed through Krakow at the time. He also documented the life of the city by placing representatives of various professions in his photographs. He photographed sacred and secular buildings, architectural details, restoration work at Wawel Cathedral and St. Mary's Church. After his death, the establishment was run by his son Natan (until 1904) and daughter Amelia.