Portret van een acteur, aangeduid als Carl G. Lundberg 1860 - 1890

Editor: So, we have a gelatin-silver print here from between 1860 and 1890, titled "Portret van een acteur, aangeduid als Carl G. Lundberg." It's at the Rijksmuseum and attributed to Gösta Florman. There's something very compelling in its straightforward presentation. How do you approach a piece like this? Curator: Well, immediately, I'm drawn to the process itself. The gelatin-silver print, a relatively new technology at the time, democratized image-making. It wasn't just for the elite; theatrical figures, like the man depicted, became accessible subjects. The material speaks to broader societal shifts, doesn't it? Think of the laborers involved in the photographic production. Editor: That’s an interesting perspective. So, you're seeing this image less as a singular artistic vision and more as a product of specific manufacturing and labor conditions? Curator: Precisely. The uniformity and availability of materials like gelatin and silver made mass production possible. The rise of theatrical portraiture, too, became a kind of consumable good. The bow tie and coat weren't accidents, they became standard attire available for any ambitious actor. Consider the social context that gave rise to celebrity culture. How did the studio support him in becoming a celebrated actor, a star? Editor: It makes you wonder how aware Florman was of this shift, this relationship between art and commerce. Curator: Indeed! The photographer is not just an artist, but also a mediator in this social transaction. The photographic studio is just as important to examine in these processes. What kind of equipment were they using and what were some techniques? Editor: It shifts the focus from pure aesthetics to a deeper understanding of the societal mechanics behind it. Curator: Absolutely. I am convinced there is so much more to explore with materiality like the social structures embedded in gelatin-silver prints. It goes well beyond representation; it’s about production, access, and, of course, power. Editor: Thank you.