Untitled [Snow on Hill with Bare Trees] 19th-20th century

This captivating photograph of a snow-covered hill with bare trees was taken by William B. Post sometime before 1921. What sets this image apart is not only the landscape it captures, but the process through which Post achieved the final print. He used the platinum printing process, a technique prized for its soft tonal range and matte surface. The platinum printing process involves coating paper with a light-sensitive emulsion containing platinum salts, then exposing it to a negative under ultraviolet light. The resulting print is remarkably stable, resisting fading far better than conventional silver prints. The meticulous labor invested in each print reflects a commitment to craftsmanship, distinguishing it from mass-produced images. Post's work serves as a reminder of the value of handcrafted photographic prints, and challenges the traditional hierarchy between photography and the art object.