Frankfurt am Main_ Garden side of the Geisow Boys’ Institute in Hochstrasse c. 1865

Carl Friedrich Mylius made this albumen print in Frankfurt am Main in 1859. Photography was still a relatively new medium, and the albumen process – using egg whites to bind light-sensitive chemicals to paper – was state of the art. Notice how the tonal range gives depth to the scene, from the placid water of the river Main, to the buildings lining the shore, including the Geisow Boys’ Institute. The sharpness of focus is also remarkable, allowing us to clearly discern the architectural details, as well as the boats tied up along the riverbank. The labor of constructing those buildings, and the skill required to navigate those boats, are implied in the image. Mylius used a camera and darkroom techniques, aligning himself with both scientific precision and artistic vision. This photograph transcends mere documentation, offering a glimpse into the labor and lifeblood of 19th-century Frankfurt. It invites us to appreciate the technical skill and the cultural context that shaped this compelling image.