Portret van Aurélie Monnet in Les deux orphelines before 1874

This is a photographic portrait of Aurélie Monnet, an actress in Les deux orphelines, framed within a page from "Bruxelles-Theatre." The photogravure process involved capturing a photographic image onto a metal plate, typically copper, which was then etched to create an image that could be printed. This technique democratized portraiture, allowing images to be reproduced en masse and distributed widely through printed media. The image is surrounded by a frame printed with decorative motifs, merging fine art and popular culture. The placement within a theater program highlights the commercial aspects of the performing arts, where actors and productions are commodities in a cultural marketplace. The combination of photography and printmaking reflects the evolving relationship between art, technology, and consumer culture in the late 19th century. By examining the materials and processes of this print, we can gain insight into the cultural and economic forces shaping the art world of the time.