Gezicht op Menton langs de kust c. 1886 - 1896

This is an early photograph of Menton on the French Riviera, taken by Henry Pauw van Wieldrecht. He's printed it using an albumen process, which involves coating paper with egg white and silver nitrate, making it sensitive to light. The process gives the print a warm, sepia tone and a smooth surface, almost like an eggshell. Looking at the image, we can appreciate the degree of skill and labor involved in creating photography at this time. Each print had to be prepared individually, demanding a high level of craftsmanship and understanding of materials. The photograph captures a moment in time, but it also speaks to the social and economic conditions of the era. Photography democratized image-making, but it also required specialized knowledge and equipment. Considering its material presence allows us to appreciate the artistry, labor, and context that shaped this view of Menton.