Buddenbrook

Buddenbrook

Miss Mary and Edeltrude Lying in the Grass 1910 (large detail)

Thomas Mann's multi-generational first novel - which eventually earned him the Nobel Prize for Literature - takes place in the years of turmoil leading up to Europe's Belle Époque era, and chronicles the fortunes and misfortunes of the Buddenbrook family of Lübeck, in pre-unification Germany.
Notions of class, wealth and pleasure are hinted at in Heinrich Kühn's photograph of Edeltrude (his daughter) and "Miss Mary" (possibly Mary Warner), relaxing in the grass on a sunny day. On the book's cover, they serve as metaphors for Buddenbrook women who, due to their financial status, might have the free time and fancy attire of Kühn's subjects.
The original photograph is an Autochrome - an early, cumbersome color process. It looks like the color for the cover version has been manipulated, and is not as nuanced as in the original.
Tho view the original version of Kühn's photo, from Wiki-art, click here.