Interieur Witsen c. 1860 - 1915

Willem Witsen made this gelatin silver print, titled “Interieur Witsen”. Witsen used a process of chemical manipulation of light-sensitive materials on paper. Photography in the late 19th century required technical mastery and was not just pointing and shooting. The final print results from a careful choreography between artist, materials, and technology. This photo gives us an intimate view into the artist’s space, filled with objects which were carefully arranged. The texture and weight of the print itself feel connected to the textures within. Consider the material reality of this interior: the wooden furniture, ceramics, and the framed painting which is propped on a wooden easel. The photograph itself becomes another layer in this material accumulation. The image prompts us to think about Witsen's labor and artistry. Ultimately, by considering the materials and processes, we can see how photography, like painting and sculpture, is a practice deeply embedded in social context.