Portret van Petrus Franciscus Greive 1855 - 1870

Maurits Verveer made this portrait of Petrus Franciscus Greive using the albumen print process, a popular photographic technique of the 19th century. It involved coating paper with egg white and then a silver nitrate solution, making it sensitive to light. The albumen printing process gave these photographs a distinctive look; the glossy surface and fine detail captured, speak to the emerging technologies of the Victorian era. This method was far from a simple snapshot. Each print required careful preparation, exposure in a large format camera, and meticulous development. This highlights the labor involved, contrasting with the mass production of images today. The very act of commissioning such a portrait speaks volumes about social status and self-presentation. It reflects a desire to participate in a culture of image-making, enabled by both technological advances and shifting social norms. Understanding the materials and processes behind this photograph lets us look beyond the surface, considering the social and cultural context that shaped both the image and its creation.