Fotoreproductie van een prent van een portret van Dolfo Spini before 1863

This is Giacomo Brogi's photo reproduction of a portrait of Dolfo Spini. Although we don't know the date, the artwork involves traditional methods of photography of the time. Looking closely, the image is defined by the tonal contrast, which speaks to the alchemic processes involved. Light-sensitive emulsions, painstaking developing, fixing agents – it all relies on chemical reactions, a form of hidden labor. The texture of the paper also impacts the appearance of the print; the fibers create a subtle surface that influences the visual effect. Photography, particularly portrait photography, played a vital role in shaping social identities, circulating images of people within different social circles, each reproduced print carries its own weight, both literally and metaphorically, within networks of exchange. Consider the work and resources involved, reflecting the socio-economic and cultural values of its time. By acknowledging the intersection of materials, making, and context, we gain a greater appreciation for its significance, challenging conventional hierarchies between art and craft.