Gezicht op huizen en paleis aan de Kneuterdijk in Den Haag c. 1865 - 1870

This photograph of the Kneuterdijk in The Hague was taken by Andries Jager, sometime in the mid-19th century. The sepia tones are a direct result of the photographic process known as albumen printing, popular at the time. The process involved coating paper with a layer of egg white and silver nitrate, then exposing it to light through a negative. The resulting image is a warm, brown hue, with a distinctive glossiness from the albumen. What I find interesting is how the very technology used to create the photograph also captures a specific moment in time. Consider the labor involved: from the photographer carefully preparing the materials and setting up the shot, to the individuals captured in the scene who had to stand still for extended periods. This image becomes more than just a depiction of buildings; it's a record of social interactions, economic activities, and technological advancements. So, next time you look at a photograph, consider the materials, the making, and the context, to fully appreciate the meaning of this particular form of craft.