Untitled (diplomats) c. 20th century

Erich Salomon made this photograph, its title currently unknown, using gelatin silver print, a process which dominated photography for over a century. The choice of this medium is crucial, as it allows for a wide range of tones and sharp details, capturing the intricate textures of what appears to be a piece of aged wood. Consider the material qualities of the wood itself: the deep cracks, the varying grains, the evidence of decay, the labor it takes to cut and treat. The texture is visually emphasized through the contrast of light and shadow, drawing our attention to the surface's inherent ruggedness. The process of silver gelatin printing, with its chemical reactions and precise timing, mirrors the natural, slow processes of aging and erosion evident in the subject matter. By emphasizing these textures, Salomon elevates the ordinary to the extraordinary, inviting us to contemplate the effects of time and the beauty inherent in natural processes. This challenges our preconceived notions of what is considered art, blurring the lines between the natural world, industrial materials, and human creativity.