Woman and Child Playing Dominoes at Table c. 1898

This photograph of a Woman and Child Playing Dominoes at Table, date unknown, is a poignant depiction of domestic life. The anonymous photographer created the artwork through the wet collodion process. This was an early photographic technique that required coating a glass plate with chemicals, exposing it in the camera while still wet, and then developing it immediately. The sepia tones of the print, combined with the soft focus, give the scene a dreamlike quality. The choice of clothing for the subjects, and interior decoration also speak to the social status of the depicted family. The labor involved in the production is considerable, from setting the stage to developing the print. This contrasts with the relaxed state of play, of the two figures. By considering the materials and processes used, we gain insight into the photographer’s artistic choices and the social context in which the image was made.