Gezicht op een water in de bergen before 1885

This photogravure of a mountain lake was made by C. Angerer & Göschl in the late 19th century, and is found within the pages of a Belgian photography association's bulletin. The photogravure process, which is used here, transforms a photograph into an etched plate, which is then inked and printed much like an etching. This process was highly esteemed for its ability to capture subtle tonal gradations. Look closely and you'll see a full range of greys, giving the image depth and realism. The choice of this relatively laborious technique speaks to the value placed on meticulous craftsmanship, even in an age increasingly dominated by mechanized reproduction. Photography here aligns itself with the fine arts. This kind of labor-intensive approach was intended to elevate photography to the realm of high art, countering its status as a purely mechanical process. Ultimately, understanding the blend of technology, labor, and artistic intention reveals how photography sought recognition within a hierarchical art world.