Portret van de familie Kessler op de veranda van een Noors chalet 1909

This photograph by Geldolph Adriaan Kessler captures the Kessler family on a Norwegian chalet veranda, using gelatin silver printing. Photography democratized portraiture, making it accessible beyond the elite. This print, though small, captures a family gathering, hinting at social status through leisure and location. The gelatin silver process, dominant in the late 19th and 20th centuries, allowed for mass production of images, influencing visual culture. The photograph's texture and tonal range, achieved through chemical processes, reflect advancements in industrial technology. By focusing on photography's materiality and dissemination, we understand its role in shaping social narratives, blurring lines between personal expression and mass production. Ultimately, the photograph invites us to consider the democratization of art and representation in modern society.