Wetenschappelijke opname van cholera in gelatine before 1885

Émile van Ermengem created this scientific gelatin photograph of cholera, focusing on the stark contrast between light and dark. The vial is centered against a black rectangle, emphasizing its cylindrical shape. Inside, gradients of white suggest depth, with a milky substance suspended in a clear medium. The composition highlights the texture and materiality of the gelatin and glass. Van Ermengem uses photography as a tool for scientific documentation, yet the image’s minimalist aesthetic elevates it beyond mere representation. The photograph's clarity invites us to reflect on the intersection of science and art. The play of light on the glass and the nuanced gradations within the gelatin underscore the formal elements at play, revealing how a scientific image can also function as a study in form and texture. As viewers, we are drawn to observe how these elements can simultaneously convey information and evoke a sense of wonder.