Gezicht op de fontein van Neptunus in Madrid 1857 - 1880

Juan Laurent captured this photograph of the Fountain of Neptune in Madrid using the albumen silver print process. The image is created with paper coated in a layer of egg white, then sensitized with silver nitrate, giving it that sepia tone and smooth surface. This process, popular in the mid-19th century, was a game changer. Photography transitioned from a niche activity to a booming industry. Studios popped up everywhere, cranking out portraits and landscapes. Laurent was one of the entrepreneurs who made this happen. The sharp detail and tonal range achieved through albumen printing are truly remarkable, though it was labor-intensive. Preparing the paper, exposing the image, and carefully developing the print required skill. The making of this photograph reflects broader social shifts and the commercialization of art. It invites us to consider not only the subject of the photo, but the many hands involved in its production.