Voorgevel van Hotel zu den drei Mohren in Augsburg c. 1865

This photograph, dating from the nineteenth century, captures the facade of the Hotel zu den drei Mohren in Augsburg. While the photographer is unknown, the process they used speaks volumes. The image is a product of early photographic technology, likely a salted paper print or similar process. The tones, ranging from sepia to cream, give a palpable sense of the past, each shade a record of the chemicals and light. It's important to consider how photography democratized image-making. Previously, only the wealthy could afford portraits, or views of architecture. Photography allowed for the mass production of images, capturing the texture of everyday life and architecture, like this hotel. This reminds us that even seemingly simple images are the result of a complex set of social and technological conditions. By considering these factors, we gain a deeper appreciation for the photograph as a cultural artifact, not just a picture.