Oscar Wilde 1882

This is a photograph of Oscar Wilde, taken by Napoleon Sarony in New York. It’s a very typical photographic process of the period, with an image printed on paper and mounted on card stock. This format was immensely popular in the late 19th century, due to the rise of industrial capitalism. Photography became a powerful tool for democratizing portraiture. Before its invention, only the wealthy could afford to have their likeness captured in a painting, requiring the commission of skilled labor. This image of Wilde demonstrates how photography changed this dynamic. Sarony's studio mass-produced images like this one, utilizing new technologies to reduce the cost and time involved in creating a portrait. Though it still required specialized equipment and skilled technicians, the process was far more accessible than traditional painting. By understanding the materials and the means of production behind this photograph, we can appreciate its significance as a cultural artifact, reflecting broader shifts in society, technology, and artistic expression.