Freienwalde a. O. 1886

Alfred Stieglitz made this photograph, "Freienwalde a. O.," using gelatin silver print, a process that really came into its own in the late 19th century. This technique involves coating paper with light-sensitive silver halides, allowing for detailed images to be developed. The gelatin silver print marked a shift toward mass production in photography, enabling the creation of numerous high-quality prints from a single negative. This printmaking process has imbued the photograph with its distinctive tonal range and clarity. The texture of the paper and the developing process contribute to the overall aesthetic, creating a tangible object. Stieglitz, through his choice of gelatin silver, was participating in the industrialization of photographic art, balancing artistic vision with the possibilities of modern materials and techniques. Understanding the materials and processes used by Stieglitz helps us to appreciate the social and technological context in which "Freienwalde a. O." was created, reminding us of the blend of artistry and industry that defines much of modern visual culture.