Exploring the Earliest Days of Photography at the Met: A Deep Dive into WNYC's "All Of It"

In the April 16, 2025 episode of WNYC's "All Of It", host Alison Stewart delves into the rich history of early photography through the lens of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's latest exhibit, "New American Photography 1839-1910." Joined by Jeff Rosenheim, the exhibit's curator, the discussion offers a comprehensive exploration of photography's evolution, its impact on American culture, and the stories behind some of its most captivating images.

1. Introduction to the Met Exhibit

Alison Stewart sets the stage by highlighting the significance of photography's nearly two-century journey since its invention in 1839. She remarks, "There probably would have been hard to imagine that one day we would all carry cameras around in our pockets" (00:37). The exhibit, running through July 20, showcases over 250 photographs, many of which have never been publicly displayed before.

2. Selection of Photographs

Curator Jeff Rosenheim explains the curatorial process, emphasizing a balance between known and unknown elements. "I just followed my eye and my heart. These are pictures that left the studios from the beginning of photography and went into the hands of the sitters" (02:37). The collection was amassed over five decades by a Connecticut collector, with the exhibit's launch strategically timed before the COVID-19 pandemic to maximize its impact.

3. Early Photography Techniques: Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, and Tintypes

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on understanding early photographic processes:

• Daguerreotypes: Introduced by Louis Daguerre, these were "pictures made using Daguerre's process," involving a silver-coated copper plate made light-sensitive (04:09).

• Ambrotypes: An evolution of daguerreotypes, ambrotypes transferred the silver image onto glass (04:09).

• Tintypes: Despite the misleading name, tintypes involved iron sheets coated with a dark lacquer and treated with a photographic emulsion. Rosenheim notes, "There’s no tin in it at all, but there’s no enlarging" (04:09).

These methods not only defined the aesthetic of early photographs but also influenced their accessibility and distribution.

4. Scale and Accessibility of Early Photographs

Rosenheim discusses the technical limitations that dictated the size of early photographs. Initially, producing larger images was challenging due to the prolonged exposure times required. "At the beginning, it was just a technically hard thing to make a picture any size" (05:38). Over time, improvements reduced exposure durations, allowing for slightly larger prints but still limited compared to today's standards. This handheld nature of early photography made images intimate and personal.

5. The Role of Photography as Art

The conversation shifts to photography's evolution as an artistic medium. Rosenheim highlights that from its inception, some photographers viewed their work as art: "Some felt that they were responding to the subject or something in nature that they felt needed to be described" (08:18). This artistic inclination paralleled the emergent appreciation for photography's ability to capture nuanced emotions and narratives.

6. Photography as a Political Tool

Photography's political significance is a recurring theme. Rosenheim cites Abraham Lincoln's 1860 photograph as a pivotal moment where the medium became a tool for political visibility: "The picture that was made in Matthew Brady's studio... became known because the camera, the picture allowed people to see this person" (09:06). Additionally, landscape photographs from Yosemite were used to advocate for conservation, illustrating how images could influence public policy and societal values.

7. Photography during the Civil War

The Civil War era stands out as a transformative period for American photography. Rosenheim explains, "Photographers followed the armies north and south... Many of the pictures in our exhibition were made to be seen and collected" (06:54). These images served both as mementos for soldiers and as historical records that captured the war's profound impact on the nation's psyche.

8. Notable Photographs in the Exhibit

a. The Man with the Chicken

One of the exhibit's intriguing pieces is a daguerreotype of a young man with a rooster. Rosenheim describes it as, "The residue of a relationship between a man and a common barnyard animal... they clearly are friends" (14:47). This image not only showcases the technical prowess of the time but also offers a glimpse into personal relationships and daily life in the 19th century.

b. African American Woman with a Tignon

Another standout photograph features an African American woman adorned with a beautifully hand-colored tignon, a headscarf mandated by law in Louisiana to distinguish free women of color from enslaved women. Rosenheim emphasizes the photograph's power: "She owns it. And it's just an extraordinary object... one of the stunning pictures in this collection" (16:07). This image is a poignant testament to resilience and the subtle forms of resistance against oppressive laws.

9. The Emergence of Color in Photography

Though early photography was predominantly monochromatic, Rosenheim touches on the gradual introduction of color. Hand coloring became popular by the mid-1840s, with sitters requesting subtle additions like rouge on cheeks. However, true color photography didn't emerge until the autochrome process in the early 20th century (16:07).

10. Female Photographers: Spotlight on Alice Austin

The exhibit also shines a light on female photographers, with Alice Austin from Staten Island being a notable figure. Austin's work is characterized by thousands of intimate portraits capturing her community, friends, family, and personal relationships. Rosenheim praises her ability to "document her lives" and mentions an upcoming book detailing her contributions (18:07). This inclusion underscores the often-overlooked role of women in the early days of photography.

11. Interactivity and Innovations in the Exhibit

Rosenheim highlights the exhibit's interactive elements, particularly the section on stereographs. These were pairs of images designed to create a 3D effect when viewed through binoculars, offering a "proto cinematic experience" (20:30). This feature allows visitors to engage more deeply with the photographs, bridging historical techniques with contemporary interactive experiences.

12. Accessibility and Democratization of Photography

The discussion moves to how photography became more accessible over time. Initially a complex and specialized process, photography democratized with the introduction of the Kodak camera by George Eastman in the late 19th century. "It put photography in the hands of the amateur... the amateur exchange of process, technique, and pictures defined the late 19th century" (23:46). This shift mirrored today's digital age, where smartphones have made photography ubiquitous.

13. Favorite Aspects of the Exhibit

When asked about a favorite section, Rosenheim expresses a particular fondness for tintypes. He describes them as an "equitable medium" that made portraiture accessible to a broader population, including those who couldn't afford more elaborate photographic formats (25:26). Tintypes offer a unique aesthetic and represent a democratizing force in the history of photography.

14. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Alison Stewart wraps up the interview by reiterating the exhibit's name and duration, thanking Jeff Rosenheim for his insights. The episode not only educates listeners about the technical and artistic aspects of early photography but also underscores its profound influence on American culture and society.

Key Takeaways

• Photography's Evolution: From daguerreotypes to tintypes, early photography underwent significant technical advancements that shaped its accessibility and artistic potential.

• Cultural Impact: Photography played a pivotal role in political movements, documenting pivotal events like the Civil War and advocating for conservation efforts.

• Artistic Expression: Early photographers viewed their work as a form of art, capturing intricate emotions and narratives that continue to resonate today.

• Inclusivity: The progression from specialized studios to the widespread availability of cameras mirrored society's broader democratization trends.

• Representation: Exhibits like "New American Photography 1839-1910" ensure that both renowned and obscure photographers receive recognition, offering a holistic view of the medium's history.

For those intrigued by the interplay of technology, art, and culture, "All Of It" offers an enriching exploration of photography's foundational years, bridging the past with the present.