Heinrich Gontermann 1917

This photograph of Heinrich Gontermann was created by Nicola Perscheid, an early 20th century artist known for his work in pictorialism. The visual language of this portrait is defined by an interplay between light, shadow, and texture. The materiality of Perscheid’s photographic process – the specific film, lenses, and development techniques used – contribute to the artwork’s atmosphere. Light is manipulated in the darkroom to soften harsh lines, and enhance textures. This is especially visible in the subject’s military uniform, made from heavy wool, with densely woven braids and embellishments. While the technology used in photography makes it seem inherently modern, Perscheid applied the aesthetic principles of painting and printmaking to his compositions. He also ran a highly sought-after portrait studio in Berlin, serving a wealthy clientele. Considering the making of this artwork allows us to appreciate the level of skill required to produce such an image. It reminds us that photography is not just about capturing a moment, but about the choices made in the studio and darkroom.