Senaatsgebouw in Sint-Petersburg c. 1880 - 1900

This photograph of the Senaatsgebouw in Sint-Petersburg was made by J. Daziaro, using a process that was still relatively new at the time. Photography in this era relied on meticulous preparation and handling of materials. Light-sensitive chemicals were applied to a surface, likely a glass plate in this instance, exposed in the camera, and then carefully developed. This intricate process, a blend of science and craft, required expertise and precision from the photographer. Think about the labor that went into each print, the hands-on work of mixing chemicals, coating plates, and carefully controlling the development process in the darkroom. Looking at the photograph itself, the tonal range, from light to dark, is subtle and rich. The texture of the stone is captured with impressive clarity. Photography democratized representation; but we should remember that even then, the technology required education, capital, and time. We can appreciate the artistry of the photographer as a craftsman, skillfully manipulating materials and processes to create a lasting image of this architectural monument.