Portret van Élisée Trivier before 1891

This is a small portrait of Élisée Trivier by C. Godefroy, likely made using photographic processes common at the time. Looking closely, the tones reveal a world of technical craft. Photography in this era was a labor-intensive process. The materials, from the glass plates to the developing solutions, had to be prepared with precision. The photographer acted as both artist and chemist, carefully controlling light, exposure, and development to create the final image. This wasn't just pointing and shooting; it was a meticulous craft. The final print would have been a testament to Godefroy’s skill, and would have had a performative aspect, with Trivier sitting still for the camera for a certain amount of time, while the photographer would capture this particular moment. By recognizing the labor and technical expertise embedded in its making, we see how even a seemingly simple portrait is a complex product of both artistry and craft.