Ilja Metschnikow 

This is Felix Nadar’s photographic portrait of Ilja Metschnikow. Nadar was a renowned portrait photographer in the 19th century, a time when the medium was still relatively new. Photography was, and still is, an industrial process involving chemistry, optics, and labor. This image began with a light-sensitive emulsion, likely a collodion process, spread onto a glass plate. The subject, Metschnikow, had to remain still for an extended period, while Nadar captured the image with his camera. Then came the developing and printing processes. The result is a permanent impression made with light and chemistry. Consider the social context. Photography democratized portraiture, making it accessible to a wider audience. While painting remained a luxury, photography offered a more affordable way to capture likenesses. This portrait embodies both scientific advancement and artistic expression. It encourages us to think about the intersection of technology, labor, and artistry.