Interieur van de Geboortekerk in Bethlehem 1867 - 1885

Félix Bonfils created this albumen print of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, using a process that would have been considered quite novel in its time. Photography was at the intersection of science and art, requiring a mastery of chemistry to prepare the light-sensitive emulsions, and great skill in manipulating the large-format cameras and glass plate negatives. The albumen process itself, using egg whites to bind the light-sensitive chemicals to the paper, adds a subtle sheen to the final print, enhancing the details of the Church's interior. Consider the labor involved; from the photographer carefully setting up his equipment, to the darkroom technicians developing the images. This photograph is more than just a visual record; it's a product of a complex interplay between technology, skill, and the cultural fascination with documenting the world. It makes you consider the expanded boundaries of art history, acknowledging the value of craft and technical expertise.