Portret van een jonge vrouw 1887 - 1888

Wilhelmus Johannes van Pampus created this photograph of a young woman using the wet collodion process, a popular technique in the late 19th century. The wet collodion process involved coating a glass plate with a light-sensitive emulsion, exposing it in the camera while still wet, and then immediately developing it. This method, while complex, allowed for highly detailed images with a distinctive tonal range, evident in the soft gradations of light and shadow in this portrait. The resulting albumen print, made from the glass negative, showcases the material qualities of early photography. The subtle sepia tones, the smooth surface of the print, and the delicate details all speak to the craft involved. The labor-intensive nature of this photographic method, and the resources required, reflect the era's social and economic conditions. Ultimately, understanding the wet collodion process gives us insights into the cultural values placed on portraiture and representation during this time, bridging the gap between artistic expression and technological innovation.