Fotoreproductie van De engel des kwaads en Eva's eerste onrust na de zondeval door Antoine Wiertz before 1868

This is a photographic reproduction by Edmond Fierlants, of Antoine Wiertz's painting, depicting the angel of evil and Eve's first anxiety after the fall. Photography in the 19th century was a fascinating blend of science, craft, and social aspiration. Think about what’s involved in the original process: glass plates coated with light-sensitive emulsions, long exposure times, and a darkroom for developing the image. Each print required meticulous work, making photography a labor-intensive process. Notice the tonal range in this print, from deep blacks to soft grays, achieved through careful manipulation of light and chemicals. Photography democratized image-making, bringing art to a wider audience. The ability to reproduce images like Wiertz's painting allowed for dissemination of art beyond the elite circles who could visit galleries. By understanding the materials and processes behind this photograph, we gain insight into the cultural values of the time, and question the boundaries between fine art and the industrial arts.