Portret van Francisco d'Andrade en António d'Andrade, in een gevechtsscène uit Carmen van de Opera 1870 - 1890

This photographic print by A. Eichenwald captures Francisco and António d'Andrade in a dramatic duel from the opera Carmen. It's made using the albumen process, which involves coating paper with egg white and silver nitrate, creating a glossy surface for detailed images. The albumen print was a product of the Victorian era's fascination with reproducibility and the burgeoning culture of celebrity. These prints were often mass-produced, catering to a public eager to consume images of famous figures. In this context, photography became a powerful tool for disseminating images of performers, turning opera singers into household names. This particular print also reveals the artistry involved in creating a staged scene, with the backdrop hinting at the theatrical nature of the opera. It bridges the gap between the ephemeral experience of live performance and the permanence of a photographic object. The image’s value lies not only in its documentary quality but also in its engagement with the popular culture of its time, reflecting the intersection of art, entertainment, and commercial production.