Gezicht op een rivier in Ruskeala c. 1888 - 1893

Impi Backman captured this view of a river in Ruskeala using photographic materials and processes. Note the albumen print mounted on card stock, a popular method at the time. Backman's choice of photography as a medium is telling, as it was a technology rapidly changing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In this image, the sharp focus and tonal range capture the textures of the natural landscape, from the rough-hewn timbers of the buildings to the flowing water. Photography was also becoming increasingly accessible, influencing its status in society and the art world. The proliferation of photographic images democratized representation, challenging traditional hierarchies within art and society. By focusing on the materiality and methods of production, we can better understand the broader social and cultural implications of Backman’s work, recognizing its significance beyond conventional artistic boundaries.