Portret van W.[(...)].C. Doorman in militair uniform c. 1886 - 1906

This photographic print of W.[...].C. Doorman in military uniform was created by Max Büttinghausen in the late 19th century, using a gelatin silver process. The artistry here lies not just in the composition but in the chemistry. The gelatin silver process, a darkroom technique, involves coating paper with light-sensitive silver halides. The resulting image is remarkably detailed, capturing the nuances of Doorman's uniform and the texture of his neatly groomed mustache. Photography emerged during the industrial revolution and democratized portraiture. What once was limited to the wealthy few became more accessible, allowing for a wider range of people to document and share their likeness. Looking at the final product, it’s easy to forget the labor involved – from preparing the chemicals to carefully controlling the exposure and development. Appreciating this context deepens our understanding of the photograph as both a personal memento and a product of its time.