Eugénie Schlosser et Coralli 1863

André-Adolphe-Eugène Disdéri made this photographic print of Eugénie Schlosser and Coralli. It's a fascinating example of early photographic techniques, specifically the rise of carte-de-visite portraiture. Consider the material process involved. Each image, captured on a glass negative, would have required careful preparation and chemical processing. This was hardly a quick snapshot. Rather, it was a labor-intensive procedure. Disdéri was a pioneer in this regard, patenting a method for producing multiple images on a single plate. This innovation democratized portraiture, making it more accessible to a wider public. The arrangement of the photographs is also noteworthy. It resembles a mosaic of moments, a sequence that hints at a larger narrative. The images reflect the growing culture of celebrity, of theatre, and of consumption, with the commodification of images for widespread distribution. In essence, the image embodies a pivotal moment in visual culture, where photography was transforming social practices and the art market.