Portret van een man met snor 1879

W. Karrass made this photographic portrait of a moustachioed man using a specialized photographic process. The photograph's sepia tone is a direct result of the chemical processes involved in early photography. Unlike painting or sculpture, photography held the promise of perfect likeness through a mechanized process, which democratized portraiture. Photography was, in its early days, regarded as a craft, as practitioners needed specialized knowledge of chemistry, optics, and mechanics to produce a successful image. Darkroom techniques and the handling of light-sensitive materials required careful attention, blurring the boundaries between art, science, and craft. Photographs also served a social function, documenting individuals, families, and communities, providing insights into the past. This simple portrait encapsulates a fascinating intersection of science, craft, and social documentation, underscoring the importance of understanding the material and its making.