Portret van een onbekende man die lijdt aan sycosis barbae c. 1860 - 1868

This albumen print of a man afflicted with sycosis barbae, a severe skin condition, was made by A. de Montméja in the late 19th century. The materiality of this photograph speaks to its historical context, an era when medical science was rapidly advancing, and photography was emerging as a tool for documentation and diagnosis. The albumen process, involving coating paper with egg white and silver nitrate, creates a distinctive glossy surface, highlighting the stark reality of the man's condition. This process, demanding careful preparation and precise execution, reflects the scientific approach of the time, seeking objective representation through technical mastery. The photograph's stark realism invites reflection on social issues. In those days, diseases often affected the working classes disproportionately due to poor living conditions and limited access to healthcare. The very act of documenting this man’s suffering can be seen as a form of social commentary, subtly challenging the traditional boundaries of fine art by engaging with the harsh realities of everyday life. It prompts us to consider the material conditions that shaped both the subject’s life and the photograph itself.