Interieur van de Mihrab in de Mezquita van Córdoba c. 1857 - 1880

This photograph of the Mihrab in the Mezquita of Córdoba was captured by Juan Laurent. It's a salted paper print, a process that involves coating paper with a salt solution, then silver nitrate, making it sensitive to light. Laurent's choice of this technique profoundly influenced the image's aesthetics. Salted paper prints are known for their soft, slightly hazy quality and warm sepia tones. This treatment gives the photograph an almost painterly feel, emphasizing the texture and intricate details of the Mihrab's architecture. Consider the sheer labor involved in creating such an image at this time. Beyond the architectural craftsmanship on display, there’s the photographer’s own skilled work. From preparing the paper to carefully controlling the exposure and development, each step demanded precision and artistry. This image is not just a record but a testament to the fusion of science, craft, and artistic vision. Paying attention to the materials and making of photography allows us to appreciate the cultural and technical processes that shaped its creation, breaking down conventional hierarchies between art and craft.