Reproductie van een foto van een portret van Antoinette Sterling met een kind before 1895

This is a reproduction of a photograph of Antoinette Sterling with a child, its creator unfortunately lost to history. As a printed reproduction, this work depends on the mechanization of image production. It shows us the modern technologies of photography and industrial printing from the late 19th century. The textured fibers of the page invite tactile exploration, a stark contrast to the smooth surfaces of contemporary digital prints. Consider the labor involved. From the person who set the type, to the image reproduction process, to the factory workers assembling the book. Each step reflects a complex web of industrial production. It also speaks to the cultural significance of printed imagery during this era. By understanding the material processes behind this photograph, we gain insight into the culture and values of its time. It asks us to look beyond the image and consider the hands that shaped it, broadening our understanding of art history.