A Venetian Highway c. 20th century

This small-format image, "A Venetian Highway", was created by Boon G. Ernest, using a photographic printing process called platinotype. This subtle technique, favored by Pictorialist photographers at the turn of the 20th century, renders a wide range of soft grey tones, through the use of platinum salts. It’s a labor-intensive process, requiring careful hand coating of the paper and precise control over the developing chemistry. The appeal of platinum prints lay in their ability to mimic the tonal range and surface qualities of drawings or etchings. In that respect, Pictorialist photographers aspired to be considered artists rather than mere documentarians. What’s interesting here is the suggestion of Venice – a city constructed on trade – being represented through the sensitive manipulation of precious materials. Ultimately, considering the material and the labor invested in this image makes us aware of the broader cultural context in which it was made, and helps challenge the traditional separation between photography, craft, and art.