Portret van graaf De Beaulaincourt c. 1860 - 1865

This is a portrait of Count De Beaulaincourt, made by Achille Ernest Mouret using the 19th-century photographic technique called the ‘carte de visite.’ It was an early form of mass media: small photographic prints on paper, mounted on card stock. Unlike painting, which required extensive studio training and was therefore exclusive, almost anyone could operate a camera. Photography democratized portraiture, making it accessible to a wider segment of the population. The carte de visite became incredibly popular, enabling ordinary people to possess images of themselves and others. Looking at the image, consider the labor involved. The photographer, the subject, the factory workers who produced the photographic materials, and those who distributed the final product. All participated in a network of production and consumption. This portrait is not just an image of a count, but also a material document of its time. It reflects the changing social dynamics and technological advancements of the 19th century.