Huizen langs de Spaarne te Haarlem before 1894

Charles L. Mitchell captured "Huizen langs de Spaarne te Haarlem," with a photographic process involving light-sensitive materials and meticulous darkroom techniques. The gelatin silver print presents a grayscale image of houses along the Spaarne river. This process, standardized in the late 19th century, allowed for mass production of photographs. The material qualities of the gelatin emulsion, coated on a paper base, determine the tonal range and sharpness of the image. Mitchell’s engagement with photography reflects broader cultural shifts toward democratization of image-making, moving away from unique art objects to reproducible media. Labor is embedded in every step, from the preparation of photographic materials to the final print. Looking closely at the processes and materials of photography reveals how artistic expression is deeply interwoven with technological advancement and economic structures.