Untitled (Man Standing, en Face) 1855 - 1869

This photograph, titled "Untitled (Man Standing, en Face)," was made by Antoine Samuel Adam-Salomon using the wet collodion process, a popular method in the 19th century. This technique involved coating a glass plate with chemicals, exposing it in the camera while still wet, and then developing it immediately. The resulting image has a distinctive tonal range and sharpness. The sitter's clothing is rendered in great detail, from the weave of his suit to the folds of his trousers. The wet collodion process also allowed for the creation of multiple prints from a single negative, making photography more accessible and contributing to its rapid spread as both a commercial and artistic medium. Adam-Salomon was celebrated for his portraiture, and the high level of craftsmanship evident in his photographs elevates them beyond mere documentation. The technical skill and artistry involved in the wet collodion process challenge the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.