Tempio della Concordia 1848 - 1852

Eugène Constant created this albumen silver print of the Tempio della Concordia sometime in the 19th century. In this process, a paper base was coated with a layer of egg white and silver nitrate, rendering it light sensitive. The resulting print captures the temple ruins in exquisite detail, emphasizing the textural contrast between the smooth columns and the rough, fractured stonework. What I find interesting is the implicit relationship between this image and the modern experience of labor. Photography at this time was a relatively new technology, requiring specialized knowledge and equipment, thus turning image making into its own form of labor. Ultimately, viewing Constant's work prompts us to consider how photographic processes, like more traditional crafts, are embedded within larger social and economic structures. It broadens our understanding of art, and acknowledges the value of diverse creative practices.