Maken van een rechtlijnige incisie tijdens een oogoperatie before 1873

This photograph by A. de Montméja shows an eye operation, made with a photographic process in which the print is developed on albumen paper. The tools of the procedure are front and center: fine metal instruments designed for the delicate work of eye surgery. What makes this image so compelling is its frank depiction of a medical practice that remains both highly skilled and somewhat mysterious. The surgeon's hands, steady and precise, are crucial in manipulating these tools. It is worth noting that in the 19th century, the professionalization of medicine was underway, and photographic images like this one played a crucial role, giving the public a window into these new practices. This photograph underscores the importance of skill, precision, and human touch in both medical practice and the making of images. Ultimately, it challenges us to consider the social and cultural significance of images that capture intimate and often unseen aspects of human life.