Portret van William Tennant Gairdner before 1891

This anonymous portrait of William Tennant Gairdner is an early photograph, contained within the pages of a book. While we don't know the specific photographic process used, it's important to remember that early photography was an alchemical process involving light-sensitive materials, chemical baths, and painstaking darkroom work. Every aspect of the image, from its tonal range to its sharpness, was directly influenced by the photographer's hand and the inherent properties of the materials. Photography was still a relatively new medium in Gairdner's time, and it democratized portraiture in a way that painting never could. The rise of photography also had a profound impact on the labor market, creating new jobs for photographers and technicians, while also displacing many traditional portrait painters. Consider the social implications of photography. This was a time when recording one’s likeness went from being a privilege for the wealthy to being accessible for a wider range of people. Thinking about photography in this way allows us to appreciate its significance not just as an art form, but as a cultural artifact that reflects the values and aspirations of a changing society.