Carlo Ponti (photographer)

Carlo Ponti (c. 1821/1823 – 1893) was an Italian photographer and optician, primarily active in Venice. He is best known for his photographic views of Venice and his invention, or at least popularization, of the Megascope, also sometimes referred to as the Aletescope, an optical device used to view photographs.

Ponti established a successful optical business in Venice, where he sold photographic equipment and his own photographs, primarily landscapes and architectural views. He was particularly adept at capturing the unique beauty of Venice's canals, palaces, and public spaces. His photographs are valuable historical documents, offering a glimpse into Venice during the 19th century.

The Megascope was a type of viewer that used lenses to magnify photographs and enhance the illusion of depth. It allowed for viewing paper prints with greater clarity and a near-stereoscopic effect, contributing to the popularization of photography as entertainment. Ponti’s marketing and salesmanship played a significant role in making the Megascope a widespread novelty.

His work can be found in numerous public and private collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Getty Museum.