Militairen en portretten 1863 - 1866

This photographic album, made by Woodbury & Page, gives us a fascinating insight into the visual culture of the colonial era. The albumen print process, used here, was state-of-the-art at the time. Thin paper coated with albumen from egg whites created a glossy surface, ideal for capturing fine details. The technique demanded precision, from coating the paper to the delicate developing process, reflecting the emerging industrialization of photography itself. Looking closely, we can see how this technology played a role in shaping social perceptions. The careful arrangement of portraits, interspersed with images of ships and buildings, subtly reinforces the power structures of the time, and the narrative of empire, trade, and military strength. Consider the labor that went into producing these images, not only in the photographic studio but also in the global supply chains that provided the materials. By examining the materials and making of this album, we can appreciate how deeply intertwined art, technology, and social context truly are.