Gezicht op een straat in Domburg c. 1860 - 1880

This photograph, taken by Carl Wilhelm Bauer, captures a street in Domburg using the albumen print process. This technique, popular in the 19th century, involved coating paper with egg white and silver nitrate, creating a surface sensitive to light. The resulting image is characterized by its fine detail and sepia tones, as we can see here. The process of making albumen prints was labor-intensive, demanding skill in preparing the emulsion, printing, and toning the final image, and would likely be done by artisans or other trained individuals. The tonal range in the print reflects the photographer’s control over light exposure and chemical development. Bauer's choice of this medium reflects a specific set of aesthetic preferences and technical capabilities, distinct from the mass-produced photographic prints of today. Considering the making of this photograph allows us to see the artistry in the process. It also challenges any assumptions we might have about photography as an inherently democratic medium.