Portret van H. Deelman 1874 - 1887

This is a photographic portrait of H. Deelman, made by Albert Greiner in Amsterdam. It's a small object, and it's made of glass, paper and photographic chemicals. The glass gives a crisp surface, with the sepia-toned print laid directly beneath it. It is a relatively early photographic process, which was enabled by advancements in chemistry and manufacturing. Photography democratized image-making, making it accessible to a wider range of practitioners. We can see the studio name printed at the bottom, a testament to the increasing commercialization of the art world. While photography could be considered a craft, it also reflects broader shifts in labor, politics, and consumption of art and images. So, next time you look at a photograph, consider not only the image itself, but also the materials, the process, and the social context that made it possible. By looking closely, we can challenge traditional distinctions between art and craft.