Portret van Henri Rochefort 1865 - 1870

André-Adolphe-Eugène Disdéri made this photograph of Henri Rochefort using the carte de visite format, which he patented, in France. The carte de visite was more than just a portrait; it was a social tool. Photography democratized portraiture, making it accessible to a wider public. The format became a collectible, displayed in albums in the home, and traded among friends and acquaintances. This image creates meaning through the lens of social status and celebrity. Rochefort, a prominent journalist and politician, was known for his radical views. Disdéri's photograph contributed to the dissemination of Rochefort's image, solidifying his role as a public figure. The production and consumption of cartes de visite also transformed the economics of art. Photography studios became commercial enterprises, navigating the complexities of mass production and consumption. Understanding the social and institutional context of this photograph requires examining sources such as period newspapers, political pamphlets, and studio records. Only then can we truly appreciate its historical significance.