Gezicht op Capri c. 1880 - 1895

This is an albumen print, a popular photographic process in the 19th century, made by the Italian firm Fratelli Alinari. The process involves coating paper with albumen, derived from egg whites, and then sensitizing it with silver nitrate. The result is a glossy surface that captures fine details, rendering the landscape of Capri with remarkable clarity. The tonal range, from the bright whites of the buildings to the deep shadows of the cliffs, speaks to the photographers' mastery of the medium, but also to the labor required to produce such an image. The albumen print, while celebrated for its aesthetic qualities, was also a product of industrialization, relying on mass-produced materials and a specialized workforce. As photography democratized image-making, it also raised questions about authorship, labor, and the nature of artistic skill. By considering its material and production, we can see how photography sits at the intersection of art, science, and commerce.