Tijger in een dierentuin c. 1880

Thomas James Dixon captured this photographic print of a tiger in a zoo. Photography, though seemingly immediate, is a process-driven medium. It relies on specific materials and techniques to produce an image. Consider the texture of the photographic paper. The way the chemicals react to light, and the photographer's choices in developing the print, all contribute to the final result. The tones, from light to dark, evoke a sense of depth and realism. But beyond the aesthetic qualities, we can also see how this photograph reflects the social context of its time. Zoos themselves are products of a particular moment in history, when humans sought to classify and control the natural world. Think about the labor involved in maintaining a zoo, in caring for these animals, and in producing images like this one for public consumption. By considering the materials, the making, and the context, we can gain a deeper understanding of this image and its place in the history of both art and society.