Stéphane Mallarmé, Édouard Manet en een vrouw bij een piano c. 1880 - 1883

This photograph captures Stéphane Mallarmé, Édouard Manet, and a woman at a piano, by an anonymous photographer, and the photographic print reflects the late 19th century’s fascination with documenting social life. The photographic process itself, with its chemical reactions and mechanical reproduction, was a relatively new technology at the time, making images accessible beyond the realm of painting. Look closely, and you'll see how the tonality and texture of the print renders the scene with a particular atmosphere. The details of the interior—the piano, the paintings, the patterned curtains—speak volumes about the cultural values of the bourgeois class, and their engagement with creative practices. The photograph offers a glimpse into the world of artistic exchange. The careful arrangement of the figures suggests an awareness of composition and a desire to capture a specific moment in time. The labor involved in staging and taking this image might seem invisible, yet it underscores the photograph's status as a crafted object. Ultimately, this photographic print encourages us to consider how the materials and processes of photography intersect with the social context in which the artwork was made.