Maison des bateliers, Ghent before 1866

This albumen print, by Cundall & Fleming, captures the Maison des bateliers, or boatmen's guildhall, in Ghent. The image is printed using the albumen process. Invented in 1850, the process involved coating paper with egg white before exposing it to light with a negative. Notice the tonal range, with subtle gradations of light and shadow, especially on the facade of the boatmen's guildhall, allowing the intricate architectural details of the building to emerge, from the decorative carvings, to the textures of the brickwork. This attention to detail would have been a lengthy and laborious process, demanding considerable patience and technical skill from the photographer. In its own way, this print echoes the craftsmanship embodied by the boatmen's guildhall itself. As such, it reflects the pride in labor associated with pre-industrial modes of production. By emphasizing the importance of materials, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of this image, we can challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.