Interieur van de studio van Fred Spalding before 1890

Curator: Editor: We're looking at "Interieur van de studio van Fred Spalding," created before 1890. It appears to be a page from a publication, featuring drawings or perhaps even photographic prints showcasing interior spaces. They evoke a sense of quiet sophistication and also look like theatre sets! How do you interpret this work? Curator: What strikes me most is how this piece provides a peek into the aesthetic values of the time. The interior design feels intentionally staged, a presentation of self. It's like a stage setting for portraits; wouldn't you agree that these are more than just depictions of spaces? They're narratives. What stories do you think Spalding was trying to tell with his studio setup? Editor: That’s a fascinating point about the "staged" aspect! It is true the perfectly arranged furniture and art pieces create a particular narrative, almost a visual brand, perhaps, of a sophisticated photographic style that could be purchased. I did wonder, why capture it in print? Why not just…take a photograph? Curator: A photograph of a photographer’s studio; the layers amuse me. Printing it makes it accessible and replicable, but it also elevates it to something "other". I imagine these images inspired many a photographer hoping to create their ideal working environment! This makes me wonder if Spalding would want to keep some secrets. It speaks of influence and creative control; how meta can one be! Editor: Indeed! It almost foreshadows today's influencers showing off their studio apartments or art setups, and, actually, now I want to know, how did these spaces actually affect his work? Perhaps not by much, but even so this printed drawing sure helps place the art of early photography in context!