Halévy c. 1876

This photograph of Halévy was taken by Etienne Carjat in the 19th century, using a process called albumen silver print. The process involved coating paper with albumen, from egg whites, and then sensitizing it with silver nitrate. The result is a distinctive sepia tone and a smooth surface, which gives the image a rich, almost painterly quality. This process demanded expertise not only in chemistry but also in handling delicate materials. The popularity of albumen prints coincided with the rise of commercial photography, making portraiture accessible to a wider middle class. Carjat's work reflects this shift, capturing the likeness of a prominent composer, while also demonstrating the skilled labor involved in producing such a refined image. This was a far cry from today's point-and-shoot world, reminding us of the value and work embedded in every photograph.