Fotoreproductie van The Ayrshire lassie door Thomas Faed 1870 - 1890

This is a photographic reproduction of "The Ayrshire Lassie" by Thomas Faed. Though the photographer is unknown, the work itself speaks to the rise of photography as a means of reproduction and dissemination of images. Photographs like these democratized art viewing in the 19th century. The photograph, a small, easily reproducible object, contrasts with painting. It could be circulated widely, making art accessible to a broader audience, not just the wealthy who could afford original paintings. Consider the labor involved: from the photographer setting up the shot, to the chemical processes used to develop the image. Each step depended on the standardization of production for these processes, and contributed to the expansion of the image as a commodity. Photography was then a technological marvel, yet, it also served to reinforce class distinctions by reproducing images of those with power and prestige. Examining the materials and processes behind this photograph allows us to appreciate its social context, challenging the traditional hierarchy between art and craft.