Schip in de haven van Algiers c. 1855 - 1860

This photograph of a ship in the harbor of Algiers was made by Disdéri & Co. The image is a salt print, an early photographic process that involves coating paper with a silver chloride solution, then exposing it to light through a negative. The albumen print process renders the image in warm sepia tones, emphasizing the details of the ship's rigging and the bustling port city in the background. This maritime scene, captured through the lens of early photography, speaks volumes about labor, politics, and consumption in the 19th century. The ship itself, a product of skilled craftsmanship and maritime labor, embodies the era's global trade networks and colonial ambitions. The amount of work involved in the production process, from shipbuilding to sailing, highlights the complex social and economic forces at play. By focusing on the materials, making, and context, we gain a deeper understanding of the photograph's meaning, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.