Portret van Hans W. Harlaft 1900 - 1940

This is a gelatin silver print of Hans W. Harlaft, made by Hugo Julius. The photograph, made of paper, gelatin, and silver, captures the sitter's image through a chemical process that relies on the light sensitivity of silver halide crystals. What is interesting is that the artist would develop the photograph in a dark room with precise timing and temperatures to control the image's contrast, tonality, and sharpness. Gelatin, derived from animal collagen, binds the silver particles to the paper. This process gives the photograph its distinctive monochrome appearance, with subtle gradations of gray. Photography democratized image-making, offering an alternative to painting and sculpture. Yet, it also relied on industrial production and chemical processes, connecting art-making to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. Consider the layers of human and material inputs necessary to produce this photograph and how its meaning changes when viewed through the lens of its creation. By emphasizing materials, making, and context, we can challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, gaining a more profound understanding of the artwork.