Madame Douane 1893

Pierre-Louis Pierson created this albumen print, Madame Douane, sometime in the mid-19th century. Photography was still a relatively new medium at the time. This particular photographic process involves coating paper with a layer of egg white and then sensitizing it with a silver nitrate solution. It allows for finely detailed prints with a smooth surface. Looking closely, you can see the subtle tonal variations and sharp details achieved through this process. Madame Douane is wearing a beautiful dress, cape, and hat. Her garments are heavily embellished with lace and other adornments. Consider how the production of these intricate textiles would have depended on skilled labor. Garments like these reflect the social status and wealth of the sitter, and the value placed on craftsmanship and luxury during this period. By emphasizing the materials and making involved, we gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and social context in which photography emerged.