Fotoreproductie van een prent door Richomme van de Sacra Famiglia di Francesco I door Rafaël before 1869

This is a photograph by Joseph Cundall, made sometime in the 19th century. It reproduces an engraving by Richomme of Raphael’s painting “The Holy Family of Francis I.” Notice how Cundall’s image, printed in shades of sepia, is arranged within the book's rigid structure. The composition, with its tight framing, draws our eye to the intimate scene of the Holy Family. Forms are rendered through tonal gradations rather than stark lines. The composition invites us to meditate on themes of family, divinity, and artistic legacy. Consider how photography, as a medium, alters our perception of the original painting. No longer do we have Raphael’s vibrant colors and textures, but a monochromatic interpretation. Cundall's photograph operates as a sign, pointing back to Raphael's original work, yet bearing its own distinct aesthetic and historical markings. It prompts a reflection on how meanings transform across different media and eras.