Straatgezicht in Molde before 1893

This is a photograph titled "Straatgezicht in Molde" by Paul Lange. Consider the craft of photography: light captured on a sensitive surface, fixed with chemistry. Early photography like this was labor-intensive, each print carefully developed, reflecting a pre-digital, artisanal approach. The tonal range achieved in this black and white image required expertise to produce. It is a scene of everyday life. A street. Buildings to either side. But it also speaks to the wider social context. Consider the relationship between photography and documentation. The way that photography can preserve a moment in time, and how it can be used to tell a story. Paul Lange’s photograph captures a moment in time, but also alludes to broader social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. Ultimately, this photograph challenges the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft. It reminds us that materials, making, and context are essential to understanding the full meaning of an artwork.