Gezicht op de aanleg van het Viaduc d'Auteuil over de Seine bij Point-du-Jour before 1865

This albumen silver print shows the construction of the Viaduc d'Auteuil over the Seine, captured by Hippolyte-Auguste Collard. Photography in the 19th century was as much a chemical process as it was an art form. The creation of an albumen print involved coating paper with albumen from egg whites, then sensitizing it with silver nitrate. The long exposure time needed and careful developing captured an image of extraordinary detail, bringing us closer to this ambitious engineering project. This image is more than just a record; it’s a testament to the industrial revolution's impact on the urban landscape, and the labor required for such grand-scale construction. The bridge itself, a feat of engineering, speaks volumes about the era's aspirations and its faith in progress. This blend of craftsmanship and industrial might challenges the traditional boundaries between art, craft, and industry. It reminds us that images, like objects, are products of materials, making, and social context.