Gezicht op de Schillerplatz en de Stiftskirche in Stuttgart, Duitsland before 1875

Georg Maria Eckert made this albumen print, showing the Schillerplatz and Stiftskirche in Stuttgart. The photograph's sepia tone is a direct result of the albumen process, where paper is coated with egg white and silver nitrate, then exposed to light through a negative. This procedure, very popular in the 19th century, was prized for its sharp detail, made visible through the inherent qualities of the materials used. Think about the labor involved. The photographer had to be precise in mixing the chemicals and coating the paper, and in carefully framing and capturing the image. Every step demanded skill and patience, qualities often associated with craft traditions. But, as part of a photo album "Album von Stuttgart", this print also speaks to industrial methods of production. Photography during this time helped visualize and promote cities, fueling both tourism and civic pride. It straddles the line between individual craftsmanship and mass production. By considering the materials, processes, and context, we gain a deeper appreciation of the complex narratives embedded in this captivating image.