[William H. Macdowell and Margaret Eakins in Saltville (or Clinch Mountain), Virginia] 1880 - 1882

Thomas Eakins made this photograph, [William H. Macdowell and Margaret Eakins in Saltville (or Clinch Mountain), Virginia] using gelatin silver printing. This method, popular in the late 19th century, involved coating paper with a light-sensitive emulsion of gelatin and silver halide crystals, a process that industrialised and streamlined the production of photographic prints. The tonal range in gelatin silver prints results from the varying densities of silver particles, creating detailed images with smooth gradients. This technique made photography more accessible, contributing to its widespread adoption beyond the art world and into everyday life. Eakins harnesses photography's capabilities to capture a candid scene, perhaps during a break from work or travel. The figures seem posed, but their arrangement against the rugged backdrop suggests an informal moment of rest. The labour and social dynamics are subtly encoded, seen in the contrast between the attire and posture of the figures, and the backdrop of quarried stone. Considering the materials, processes, and social context encourages a richer understanding, inviting viewers to look beyond the surface and appreciate the intricate layers of meaning embedded within.