[La Comtesse with Group on a Rocky Beach] 1860s

Pierre-Louis Pierson made this albumen print, titled La Comtesse with Group on a Rocky Beach, using techniques that were cutting edge at the time. Photography in the 19th century wasn't the instantaneous process we know today. The albumen printing process involved coating paper with a layer of egg white and silver nitrate, making it sensitive to light. The print would then be placed in contact with a negative and exposed to sunlight, requiring time and labor that is easy to overlook in the final product. The material qualities of the albumen print give it a distinctive look. Notice the subtle tonal range and soft focus, inherent qualities of this photographic process. The figures almost seem to emerge from the hazy background, a world that was only accessible to the upper classes. Considering the labor and the relatively exclusive access to photography at the time, Pierson's work underscores the relationship between artistic practice, social class, and the advent of new technologies. It’s a compelling reminder that every image is a product of specific tools, techniques, and social circumstances.