Gezicht op de oostkant en de landengte van Totoya before 1899

Maximilian Agassiz captured this photograph of Totoya's east side, showcasing its isthmus, using photographic processes common at the time. Photography in this era involved a blend of science and craft, from mixing chemicals to carefully timing exposures. The final print, with its tonal range and texture, is a direct result of these hands-on processes. The image's material quality—the paper's surface, the ink's density—adds to its impact, reminding us of the labor and skill involved in producing a photograph. Consider the social context: photography was becoming more accessible, yet still required specialized knowledge and equipment. Agassiz's work reflects both the democratizing potential of the medium and its ties to a specific class of practitioners. It bridges art, science, and the everyday experience of seeing and documenting the world.