Gezicht op een toros in de Karazee before 1886

This photograph, "Gezicht op een toros in de Karazee," was made by H. Ekama as part of the Dutch Polar Expedition between 1882 and 1883. Photographs like this one were a key tool of exploration at the time, used to document and catalogue newly encountered territories. The material qualities of this image – its tonal range, sharpness, and even its subtle imperfections – speak to the chemistry and mechanics of early photography. The image-making process involved complex labor: from the preparation and handling of photographic plates, to the physical demands of fieldwork in extreme conditions. This should remind us that photography, like other forms of image-making, is always a fusion of technology and human effort. By considering this, we can appreciate how it informs our understanding of the world, blurring the lines between art, craft, and documentary evidence.