Machines van Hermann om chocola te maken op de Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations van 1851 in het Crystal Palace in Londen 1851

This is a photograph by C.M. Ferrier and F. von Martens, taken at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London’s Crystal Palace. It shows machines made by Hermann for the purpose of making chocolate. The machines themselves are fascinating. Predominantly made of metal, with wooden elements, they show a world of emerging industrialization. You can see how processes that were formerly done by hand, grinding and mixing, were being translated into mechanized operations. This was a time when factories were becoming more common, and processes like chocolate making were being scaled up for mass production. The photograph acts as a historical document, capturing a pivotal moment when food production was undergoing a profound shift. The very textures and forms of these machines speak volumes about the labor and politics of consumption that were beginning to take hold. By focusing on the materials, making, and context, we gain a richer understanding of the artwork, challenging the divide between art and craft, and appreciating the cultural significance embedded within it.