Sèriè à la Ristori 1860s

This photograph, "Sèriè à la Ristori," was made by Pierre-Louis Pierson using the albumen print process, a popular photographic technique of the time. The albumen in the paper gave the print its characteristic gloss and sepia tone. The process involved coating paper with a solution of egg white and then sensitizing it with silver nitrate. The negative was then placed on the prepared paper and exposed to light, creating a latent image. The print was then developed, fixed, and washed. The tonality, texture, and detail achieved through this method were highly valued, allowing for a certain control over the final image. The photograph becomes a manufactured object, subject to the variables of the method. The labor-intensive nature of the albumen print process reflects the value placed on skilled craftsmanship. It's a reminder of the artistry involved in early photography, before it was fully industrialized. So next time you snap a photo on your phone, remember all that was required to make an image like this!