Portret van een onbekend kind 1859 - 1873

This portrait of an unknown child was produced by Joseph Dupont, sometime in the 19th century. It's a photograph, of course - one of the great innovations of that era. Photography changed the very nature of portraiture. Before its invention, if you wanted an image of yourself or a loved one, you had to commission a painting or a sculpture, which only the wealthy could afford. Photography democratized the process. Suddenly, everyday people could have their likeness captured. Dupont's photo, printed on a paper card, is a great example of this. Its sepia tones and small scale give it an intimate feel. Look closely, and you'll see how the process itself influenced the aesthetic. The child is posed formally, seated in a studio chair, to stay still during the relatively long exposure time. Photography created new industries and new opportunities, but also displaced many artists who had previously made their living from portraiture. It’s a perfect example of technology changing both art and labor.