Portret van twee Italiaanse militairen (Bersaglieri) c. 1860 - 1880

This photograph of two Bersaglieri soldiers was created by Giuseppe Marzocchini, sometime before 1865. The process used, likely albumen print, was relatively new at the time, and involved coating paper with egg whites to create a smooth surface for capturing fine detail. The sepia tones give the image a sense of warmth, while also lending an antique aura to the composition. It’s important to remember that photography in this period was a labor-intensive process. Each print required careful handling, precise timing, and a deep understanding of the chemical reactions involved. Consider the social context of this image. Military portraits were popular keepsakes, tokens of pride and remembrance. But in a broader sense, photography also democratized image-making. Now, people from different walks of life could possess their own likenesses. By understanding both the materials and the making, we can interpret the photograph not only as a picture but also as a cultural artifact, one that embodies the spirit of its time and the values of its society.