Portret van man in uniform c. 1860 - 1875

This photograph, made by Willem Cornelis van Dijk, captures a man in uniform with a collodion process, a technique that was revolutionary for its time. A sheet of glass was coated with light-sensitive chemicals, exposed in the camera, and then developed, all in rapid succession. What’s fascinating about the collodion process is its direct relationship to the rise of industrial capitalism. The chemicals themselves were products of large-scale manufacturing, and the entire procedure—from coating to development—demanded a level of technical precision that mirrored factory production. Looking at the image, the material qualities are striking. The subtle tonal gradations, the sharp focus, and the overall clarity speak to the capabilities of this new technology. The photograph would have been relatively inexpensive and quick to produce. The material and production values of this photograph reflect broader shifts in society, where reproducibility and accessibility were becoming increasingly valued, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and everyday life.