Piazza del Duomo met de kathedraal, toren en Baptisterium te Pisa 1858 - 1893

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.