[Ten members of the Antoine family] 1850s - 1860s

This photographic print of the Antoine family was made by Franz Antoine, who lived from 1815 to 1886. The image is an albumen print. In this process, a paper support is coated with egg white and silver nitrate, creating a surface sensitive to light. The negative is then placed on the prepared paper and exposed to sunlight, resulting in a detailed, sepia-toned image. The tonal range we see here is reliant on the amount of time spent in production, with careful timing vital. The sharp focus and clarity of the print speak to the technical skill of the photographer, but also to the patience of the sitters, who had to remain still for an extended period. Beyond the surface of the image, the material itself carries social weight. Photography in the 19th century was becoming more accessible, offering a means for families like the Antoines to document themselves. The materiality of this print, therefore, is not merely about the process, but also about how new technologies were used to shape identities and preserve memories. It prompts us to consider the photograph not only as an artwork but as a social artifact.