Paleis van Justitie te Rouen 1863 - 1900

This photograph of the Paleis van Justitie in Rouen was produced by the Neurdein Frères. The brothers were known for using the albumen print process. This involved coating paper with egg white and a silver salt solution, resulting in a smooth surface ideal for capturing fine details. The architectural subject matter is exquisitely rendered; every stone and ornate carving is captured. The albumen print was a mainstay of commercial photography in the mid-19th century. The process was cost-effective, and relatively straightforward, yet it was labor-intensive, requiring skilled technicians to prepare the paper and develop the prints. This reflects the broader context of photography at the time: a blend of technical innovation and manual work, making images accessible to a growing audience, but still embedded in the structures of labor and production. Understanding the history of photography reveals the social and economic forces that shaped the images we see.