Portret van Mario Widmer in La fille de madame Angot before 1874

This is a photograph of Mario Widmer in “La Fille de Madame Angot,” made by Hector de Saedeler. The image is printed on paper, likely using a combination of photographic and lithographic techniques, as indicated by the “typo-lithographique” note nearby. The visual impact relies on the contrast between the crisp photographic portrait of Widmer and the elaborate, almost baroque printed border. This combination of technologies speaks to a moment when photography was still relatively novel, and printing processes were being refined for mass production. The border itself, teeming with cherubs and floral motifs, probably required skilled hand work on the lithographic stone. By placing Widmer within this ornate frame, the image elevates him, associating the actor with the grandeur of the theater. This image, created through a blend of photographic precision and lithographic artistry, highlights the intersection of art, commerce, and the burgeoning culture of celebrity. It reminds us that even seemingly straightforward portraiture involves complex layers of production and cultural meaning.