Portret van Bruno Henne 1909

This small portrait of Bruno Henne, of unknown date, was made by E. Uhlenhuth using photographic processes. Photography, though now ubiquitous, has complex origins. It blends scientific advancements with the artistic desire to capture likeness, a drive formerly dependent on skilled hands and time-intensive work. Early photography democratized portraiture but it also changed labor as well as the social contexts for the production of images. Photographs involve a chemical manipulation of light, requiring specific materials and technical expertise. The sepia tone suggests an early process and a meticulous darkroom practice by Uhlenhuth. Consider the labor involved: from posing the subject to the development and printing stages. The final presentation, framed, and signed by Henne himself, elevates the piece beyond a mere snapshot into a cherished object. Thinking about photography in this way encourages us to expand our definition of art, highlighting the blend of technical skill, material understanding, and social context that shapes all creative practices.