foto c. 1895 - 1925

This photographic negative of three men was created by Alphons Diepenbrock. The photographic process is a chemical one, light hitting treated paper, fixing an image. In this case, we see a negative image, meaning the lights and darks are reversed. This is an intermediary step in the process of creating a positive print. Photography emerged in the nineteenth century and quickly became a powerful tool for documentation, but also for artistic expression. This image, with its careful composition, suggests a deliberate artistic intent. The tonal range, from the solid black frame to the pale figures, creates a striking visual effect. Each stage requires meticulous attention, skilled labor, and specialized knowledge. Looking at the materials and making of this photograph helps us see it not just as a record, but as a crafted object embedded in the history of technology, labor, and artistic vision.