Portret van een onbekende man c. 1870 - 1874

This is an albumen print of an unknown man, made by Albert Greiner. This photographic process, popular in the 19th century, involved coating paper with egg white and silver nitrate, then exposing it to light through a negative. The process creates a sharp image with a distinctive, slightly glossy surface and warm brown tones. The labor of creating these prints, especially in a portrait studio, reflects the growth of a new kind of visual culture fueled by industrial chemistry. The smooth surface and precise details of the photograph contrast with the extensive manual work involved in its production. The making of albumen prints was meticulous. The egg whites had to be whipped, filtered, and carefully applied to the paper. The chemicals needed to be mixed precisely. The rise of photography democratized portraiture, yet the skills and materials involved highlight the intersection of technology, labor, and artistry in the age of mechanical reproduction.