Exterieur van een woonhuis 1875 - 1890

This photograph of a dwelling was taken by C. Dietrich. Consider the albumen print process, which was at its peak popularity in the mid-19th century. The practice involved coating paper with a layer of egg white, then treating it with a silver nitrate solution to make it light-sensitive. This labour-intensive process captures a remarkable level of detail and tonal range. The image shows a large house with what looks like a manicured lawn and elaborate trees. The very act of documenting this residence speaks volumes about social status and power. Think about the work required to maintain a property like this - the gardeners, servants, and builders who made it possible. This isn't just a photograph, it's a window into a system of labour and privilege. Looking at this picture through the lens of materiality and making allows us to go beyond the surface and engage with broader issues of labor, politics, and consumption, challenging traditional notions of art history.