Portret van Jean-Sully Mounet in de rol van Ruy Blas in Ruy Blas before 1880

This photograph from an unknown date depicts Jean-Sully Mounet in the role of Ruy Blas, and is made using the refined chemical process of silver gelatin printing. The image's tonal range is exquisitely smooth, a testament to the photographer's technical mastery. The material qualities of this artwork are interesting. Unlike painting or sculpture, photography's value lies in its capacity to reproduce images, making it a medium closely tied to industrialization and mass consumption. The photograph immortalizes Mounet, a renowned actor, in his celebrated role, thus the image becomes a commodity, a collectible piece of memorabilia for fans. The details of Mounet's elaborate costume, from the embroidery to the lace collar, speak to the labor-intensive processes of textile production. It’s a far cry from today's mass-produced garments. By considering the materials and the social context of this photograph, we begin to understand how it operates as both a work of art and a product of its time.