Indonesische tabaksverkoper 1857 - 1880

This photograph of a tobacco vendor in Indonesia was made by Woodbury & Page using a photographic printing process on albumen silver print. The albumen print process involves coating paper with albumen from egg whites, creating a smooth surface for capturing fine details. In this image, the texture of the vendor’s clothing and the carefully arranged tobacco products are rendered with remarkable clarity. The albumen printing process was popular in the mid-19th century, and the image is a result of labor-intensive practices. Skilled photographers and darkroom technicians were required to produce each print. This photograph encapsulates the convergence of artistic skill, scientific knowledge, and colonial trade practices. By recognizing the materiality and production processes involved, we can appreciate how this photograph reflects the social, economic, and cultural dynamics of its time.