Colonnade aan het Potsdamer Stadtschloss, Potsdam 1879

Johann Friedrich Stiehm made this albumen print of the Colonnade aan het Potsdamer Stadtschloss in 1879, using a process that was popular in the 19th century for its sharp detail and tonal range. The albumen print process involved coating paper with egg white, which created a smooth surface for the photographic chemicals. A glass negative was then placed on the paper, exposed to light, and developed to create a positive image. This process allowed for mass production and distribution of photographs. Here, the choice of material and process imbues the image with a sense of formality, befitting the subject matter of a royal palace. However, it also reflects the growing commodification of photography as a tool for documentation and tourism. The scale of the print also speaks to a wider culture of collecting and displaying images. Ultimately, understanding the materials and techniques used to create this photograph allows us to appreciate its significance within the broader context of 19th-century visual culture.