Portret van een man in militair uniform, aangeduid als Amico Taanmanio Possibly 1884

Charles Binger made this portrait of a man in military uniform using photographic techniques that were becoming increasingly popular in the late 19th century. Photography in this era was not just about pointing and shooting; it involved a complex interplay of chemistry and craft. The sepia tone we see here results from the developing process, where silver salts react to light on the paper, fixing the image. The physical print itself, small and intimate, speaks to the growing accessibility of portraiture beyond the painted elite. The rise of photography was tied to wider social issues of labor and consumption. It democratized image-making, but also created new industries and opportunities. In Binger's case, the technical skill required to produce such a clear image suggests both artistic talent and considerable investment in equipment and training. Considering the materials, making, and context of this photograph allows us to understand the social impact of a technology that transformed how people saw themselves and the world around them.