Gezicht op een schoolgebouw voor jonge leerlingen in Hermannsberg, behorend bij Schule Schloss Salem c. 1929

This photograph, of a school building for young pupils in Hermannsberg, was likely made using a gelatin silver process. The gelatin silver print gained prominence in the late 19th century for its efficiency and reproducibility. Unlike earlier photographic methods, the gelatin silver process allowed for shorter exposure times and easier development. This made photography more accessible, contributing to its widespread adoption in various fields, from portraiture to documentation. This image of the school building is not just a record, but also a product of industrial progress and technological innovation. The choice of gelatin silver reflects the evolving landscape of artistic practice, as well as the means of production made possible by industrial chemistry. By considering the materials and methods employed in its creation, we gain insight into the cultural and technological context of its time. It reminds us of the labor and expertise involved in transforming raw materials into meaningful images.