"The Highlands" c. 1883 - 1888

This is M.P. Warner's photograph, "The Highlands," a silver print on paper, rendered in tones of gray and white. The photographic process itself bears directly on the image we see. It has an inherent quality to it, capturing light and shadow and turning them into a physical impression. The making of photography involves precise techniques, from coating the paper with light-sensitive emulsion to carefully timing the exposure. The final print is the result of a chemical process that requires knowledge, skill, and a careful hand. Photography, invented in the 19th century, allowed for the relatively fast and widespread reproduction of images, connecting to wider issues of labor, politics, and consumption during that period. While the scene depicted appears pastoral, consider the labor and technology required to capture it. This challenges any simple distinction between fine art and other forms of visual expression.