Portret van een onbekende vrouw 1872 - 1885

This portrait of an unknown woman was created by Alfred Jeannot Fafournoux using photography, a relatively new medium in its time. Photographs such as this were produced through a complex chemical process, with light-sensitive materials adhered to a rigid substrate, in this instance a carte de visite. These small cards were inexpensive to produce, a far cry from painted portraits that only the wealthy could afford. The rise of photography democratized image making, allowing for the mass production of portraits. This shift had profound social implications, changing how people saw themselves and their place in the world. Photography blurred the lines between art and craft. While requiring technical skill and precision, photographers also sought artistic expression. Considering this photograph through the lens of materials, making, and context allows for a deeper understanding of its cultural significance. It encourages us to challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, recognizing the artistry and technical skill in everyday objects.