Piazza del Duomo met de kathedraal, toren en Baptisterium te Pisa

This albumen print of the Piazza del Duomo in Pisa was produced by Alfredo Noack sometime in the late 19th century. Photography, while often seen as a purely technological medium, requires an interesting blend of craft and industrial processes. The albumen print was created through a labor-intensive method. Paper was coated with a layer of albumen, derived from egg whites, then sensitized with silver nitrate before being exposed to light through a negative. This created a detailed, sepia-toned image. The material qualities of the print – its smooth surface, subtle tonal range, and warm color – all stem from this process. The photograph not only captures the architectural marvels of Pisa, but also serves as a record of the photographer’s craft. Consider the labor involved, from preparing the chemicals to carefully developing the print. Looking at this photograph reminds us that even in a seemingly mechanical medium, the hand and skill of the maker play a crucial role.