Kolowrat-Ring No. 10, Wohnhaus der Frau C. Hoffmann c. 1860s

This photograph, "Kolowrat-Ring No. 10, Wohnhaus der Frau C. Hoffmann," presents a building facade, likely captured with a large-format camera using the wet collodion process. Consider the labor involved, from quarrying the stone to its shaping, transport, and assembly. The building's design suggests a classical revival style, which would have required skilled artisans to execute its detailed ornamentation. These intricate details are captured by the photographer with careful attention to contrast and light. The photograph offers us a glimpse into the social and economic context of the time, raising questions about class, labor, and the built environment. It reminds us that photography is not just about capturing reality but also about choices: what to include, what to exclude, and how to frame the subject. By attending to the materials, processes, and social context of this photograph, we can better understand its full significance, challenging conventional distinctions between art, craft, and social documentation.