Gezicht over het Windermere c. 1857 - 1867

This photograph, 'Gezicht over het Windermere' by Garnett & Sproat, captures a view of Windermere using a photographic process. Photography in the 19th century was as much about chemistry and physics, as it was about art. The tonal range, from light to dark, depended on light-sensitive materials and the precise manipulation of developing agents. The sepia tones are a direct result of the chemical processes used to fix the image, a hallmark of early photography. But beyond its technical aspects, the photograph also speaks to the changing social landscape. The rise of photography coincided with an increasing interest in landscape as a subject. It democratized image-making and distribution, and it was labor-intensive. Every print required hands-on work in the darkroom. Looking at this image, we’re invited to consider the labor and material processes that brought it into being, rather than simply admiring the scene it depicts. This helps us appreciate photography, not only as fine art, but also as a craft rooted in material transformation and social context.