Portret van Karl of Gustav von Bodelschwingh in militair uniform c. 1860 - 1866

This small portrait of Karl or Gustav von Bodelschwingh in military uniform was printed using a photographic process. Its materiality speaks to the democratization of image-making. Photography in the 19th century made portraits accessible to a wider public, not just the wealthy, marking a shift in social representation. The photographic process itself involves a complex interplay of chemistry and light, transforming ordinary materials into enduring images. Every detail, from the subject's attire to his posture, carries social significance. The photograph is a material object, a testament to cultural and technological change. It challenges traditional art hierarchies, elevating everyday life to the realm of artistic expression.