Gezicht op de Oudezijds Achterburgwal in Amsterdam c. 1860 - 1900

This photograph, a view of the Oudezijds Achterburgwal in Amsterdam, was captured by Andries Jager using albumen print. This process, popular in the 19th century, involves coating paper with albumen from egg whites, creating a smooth surface for the photographic emulsion. Notice how the albumen, a natural material, affects the image's appearance, lending a subtle sheen and warm tone. Photography in this era relied heavily on chemistry and craft, requiring skilled practitioners to prepare and manipulate materials for the desired effect. The process connects art to both industry and labor. Each print involved meticulous work, from mixing chemicals to carefully controlling exposure and development times. The photograph's sepia tones also reflect a specific chemical process; these tones aren't just aesthetic, they testify to the work involved in making the artwork itself. Paying attention to these elements enriches our understanding, blurring the lines between the artistic and the industrial.