Portret van Jean-Marie Bonnassieux (1810-1892), Frans beeldhouwer c. 1870 - 1900

Editor: This is a print titled "Portret van Jean-Marie Bonnassieux", dating from around 1870 to 1900. It's currently held at the Rijksmuseum, and depicts a photographic portrait of a gentleman surrounded by cherubs and architectural details. What strikes me is the stark contrast between the photographic realism of the subject and the whimsical, illustrative elements surrounding him. How do you interpret this juxtaposition? Curator: The tension between the photographic and illustrative realms is indeed central. Focusing on the formal aspects, we see a clear delineation: the photograph, with its tonal range and representational accuracy, is sharply contrasted with the etched frame, consisting of cherubic figures and architectural motifs, rendered through linear precision. This contrast serves to highlight photography’s evolving status. Do you notice the rigid structure of the decorative border compared to the texture within the photograph itself? Editor: I do, the border is quite rigid and seems separate from the texture and depth of the man in the center. Is it attempting to elevate the status of the photographic image by placing it within a traditionally "artistic" framework? Curator: Precisely! By framing the photograph with traditional artistic tropes—the cherubs, the classical architecture— the print attempts to legitimize this newer medium, photography, within the established art world. We must consider it’s materiality: print versus photograph. The texture alone tells us of artistic value, as does the careful symmetry of the ornamental details surrounding Bonnassieux himself. Do you feel that contrast affects the perceived artistic skill between the photographer versus the craftsman for the ornamental piece itself? Editor: I hadn't thought of that. Seeing how the print makes use of symmetry to add artistic value in addition to showcasing photographic advancement opens up the piece into a conversation of artistry versus artifice. Thank you for helping me look at that. Curator: It is always rewarding to closely consider those competing ideas!