Portret van H. P. Robinson before 1888

This is a portrait of H. P. Robinson, a British Pictorialist photographer, made in 1887 with a photographic process that was state-of-the-art for its time. The image itself, with its tonal range achieved through darkroom manipulation, speaks volumes about Robinson's commitment to elevating photography to the level of fine art. Consider the labor involved in creating this image. The wet plate collodion process was still being used, requiring meticulous preparation and execution. Each print was a unique object, imbued with the skill of the photographer. Robinson’s decision to manipulate the photograph speaks to broader social issues of authenticity and artifice. In a world increasingly dominated by industrial production, the hand-crafted photograph offered a space for individual expression and aesthetic judgment. By understanding the materials, the making, and the context in which this portrait was produced, we can move beyond traditional distinctions between art and craft, and appreciate the full complexity of its meaning.