Gezicht op een geiser in Lake Rotomahana c. 1865 - 1875

Daniel Louis Mundy made this photograph of a geyser in Lake Rotomahana using a wet collodion process. This method, popular in the mid-19th century, involved coating a glass plate with chemicals, exposing it in the camera while still wet, and then developing it immediately. The resulting image, printed on paper, captures the geyser's raw, powerful presence. Note the way the wet collodion renders the textures of the rock and the ephemeral quality of the steam. The process demanded meticulous skill and speed, reflecting a convergence of scientific precision and artistic vision. The image is more than just a pretty landscape. It's a record of a specific time and place, captured through a labor-intensive process that required both technical expertise and physical effort. By understanding the materials and methods behind this image, we can appreciate the artistry and the historical context of photography.