[Two Bears] 1889

Ottomar Anschütz made this photograph of two bears using the gelatin silver process, a popular method at the time for its fine detail and reproducibility. The rich sepia tones and crisp resolution give the image a tactile quality, allowing us to appreciate the texture of the bears' fur and the rough terrain they inhabit. Anschütz was known for his work in chronophotography, capturing motion through a series of still images. While this particular photograph appears static, it reflects his interest in freezing a moment in time. Photography in the 19th century was still a relatively new medium, situated between art and science. The gelatin silver process enabled mass production of images, playing a role in the development of visual culture. Looking at this photograph, we can see the artistry involved in capturing and presenting the natural world, challenging the distinction between photography as a craft, a science, and as an art form.