Landbouwinstrumenten, inzending van Busby op de Great Exhibition 1851

This photograph was taken by Claude-Marie Ferrier, depicting agricultural instruments showcased by Busby at the Great Exhibition. Ferrier used the daguerreotype process, one of the earliest forms of photography. The image is captured on a silver-plated copper sheet, treated with chemicals to make it light-sensitive. Notice the incredible detail and tonal range, achieved through a meticulous process of exposure and development. The choice of such a novel medium adds another layer to the meaning of this image. Photography was still in its early stages, so its use here is a nod to technological progress. The photo does not just document agricultural tools; it elevates them to the status of modern innovation. This photograph challenges the old hierarchies of art and industry. It prompts us to consider how new technologies shape our perception and appreciation of everyday objects and labor.