Parti fra Bratlandsdalen, Suldal, Noorwegen c. 1870 - 1900

This photograph of Bratlandsdalen in Suldal, Norway, was taken by Knud Knudsen sometime in the late 19th century. The sepia tones and material texture inherent in the photographic process influence our perception of the scene. The photograph presents a pathway carved through imposing rock formations, where the inherent qualities of stone—its weight, texture, and form—dominate the composition. The making of this image and its distribution would have involved considerable labor, from the physical act of traversing this rugged terrain with cumbersome photographic equipment, to the chemical processes of developing the image itself. The image has social and cultural significance, capturing a specific time and place, and reflecting the era's interest in documenting landscapes. Considering the materials, the making, and the context allows us to understand the full meaning of this photograph, challenging the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, and highlighting the social and labor practices involved in its creation.