[Mrs. Eakins or Her Sister Doll] 1880s - 1890s

Thomas Eakins made this albumen print, Mrs. Eakins or Her Sister Doll, using a photographic process that was both scientific and artistic. In the 19th century, photography was a relatively new medium, deeply intertwined with chemistry and optics. The albumen process involved coating paper with egg whites and then sensitizing it with silver nitrate, making the material receptive to light. Eakins carefully controlled the exposure and development of the image, manipulating the material to achieve the desired tonal range and depth. The image's sepia tones and soft focus speak to a Victorian sensibility, yet Eakins was also an avid proponent of realism. The folds of fabric in the backdrop, the delicate lace, and the subtle textures of skin and hair are all captured with remarkable detail. By engaging with the labor-intensive and highly skilled craft of photography, Eakins created a work that transcends mere representation. It becomes a meditation on the act of seeing, the properties of materials, and the complex relationship between art and life.