Portret van een man met baard 1861 - 1864

Joseph Wellings made this portrait of a bearded man using photography, a relatively new medium at the time. The photograph itself is an albumen print, created by coating paper with egg white and then exposing it to light through a negative. The final sepia toned image is striking, but we should also consider the labor and social context that made it possible. Photography in the mid-19th century was a complex and time-consuming process, requiring specialized knowledge and equipment. The photographer was not just an artist, but also a technician, chemist, and businessperson. The sitter, too, played a role. Posing for a photograph was an event, demanding time, money and social capital. By understanding the material processes and social context of this photograph, we can appreciate its significance as both a work of art and a historical document, and it allows us to challenge the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.