[Baron von Magnus, autograph of Emperor Maximilian of Mexico, Dr. Bosch] 1867

This photographic triptych, featuring portraits of Baron von Magnus, Emperor Maximilian of Mexico's autograph, and Dr. Bosch, was made by François Aubert. The albumen silver print process, popular in the mid-19th century, involved coating paper with egg white and silver nitrate, creating a light-sensitive surface. This method yielded images of remarkable clarity and tonal range. The photographs are presented in oval vignettes, mounted together on card stock. Aubert's choice of material influences the artwork's appearance, highlighting the smoothness and detail achievable through the albumen process. The photographs were made through skilled darkroom practices, and chemical knowledge. The production process, from preparing the paper to developing the print, was labor-intensive, reflecting the era's photographic practices. This highlights how photography in the 19th century was deeply embedded in a complex network of skill, labor, and technology. Recognizing these material aspects enriches our appreciation, challenging the traditional separation between artistic creation and the technologies that enable it.