Gezicht op Schloss Heidelberg vanaf de binnenplaats before 1865

This albumen silver print, "Gezicht op Schloss Heidelberg vanaf de binnenplaats," was made by Francis Frith in the 19th century. Frith was one of the most prolific photographers of his day, and a savvy businessman. The albumen process was a clever way to get a sharp image. Egg whites were coated on paper, providing a smooth surface to hold the light-sensitive silver. This process resulted in detailed prints with a distinctive sepia tone. Frith's success was deeply linked to the rise of commercial photography and tourism. His images of exotic lands and historical sites were mass-produced and sold as souvenirs. This photograph speaks to the rise of a visual culture, where images became commodities, and the act of seeing the world was increasingly mediated through the lens of the camera. It blurs the line between art, craft, and industry, reminding us that even seemingly straightforward images are shaped by the economics and technologies of their time.