Wilcox Landing 1861 - 1865

Andrew Joseph Russell made this albumen print, “Wilcox Landing,” sometime in the 19th century. The process of its making involves coating paper with a layer of egg white and then silver nitrate, creating a surface sensitive to light. From there, a negative is placed on the prepared paper and exposed to light. This chemical reaction leaves us with a sepia-toned scene. The photograph captures a bustling riverside port, with bales stacked high, ready for transport. The image’s social significance lies in its portrayal of industry and trade during a period of rapid economic expansion. The materials visible here, primarily cotton, speak volumes about the labor systems and agricultural practices of the time. We can almost see the amount of work involved in the production and transportation of these goods, hinting at the social hierarchies and power structures in play. Considering the materiality and making of this photograph allows us to appreciate it beyond a simple visual record, urging us to think critically about the broader context of its creation.