Gezicht op een kade met gebouwen van de Admiraliteit in Sint-Petersburg c. 1880 - 1900

This photograph of the Admiralty embankment in St. Petersburg was made by J. Daziaro, using the albumen print process. This technique, popular in the 19th century, involved coating paper with egg white and silver nitrate, creating a surface sensitive to light. Notice the sepia tones and soft focus, a direct result of this meticulous chemical process. The making of these images was labor-intensive. The photographer had to be well-versed in chemistry and the handling of delicate materials. The image represents a moment in time, carefully composed to capture the grandeur of St. Petersburg's architecture and the bustling activity on the Neva River. The albumen print, as a commodity, reflects the rise of mass media and the democratization of image production. It allowed for wider circulation of views of the world, connecting people across geographical boundaries. Understanding its material and social context allows us a richer appreciation of this historical document.