[Imperial Library of the Louvre] 1856 - 1857

Edouard Baldus made this photograph of the Imperial Library of the Louvre using a process called albumen silver printing. The process begins with coating paper in egg whites, then sensitizing it with silver nitrate. The resulting print has a remarkable tonal range, as you can see in the subtle gradations of light and shadow across the building's façade. Look closely, and you'll see how the stone's texture is rendered with almost hyper-realistic detail. Baldus was one of the great architectural photographers of the 19th century. The laborious methods of early photography often involved collaboration, from preparing the chemicals and paper to transporting the heavy equipment. In this image, the inclusion of a horse and cart perhaps serves as an acknowledgement of the labor involved in the Library’s construction as well as the business of the photographer. Understanding the technical processes behind photography helps us appreciate the artistry and labor involved, and challenges our assumptions about the divide between art, craft, and industrial production.