Portret van een koning 1870 - 1880

This is a photograph, a small print of a distinguished gentleman, made by J. Lafranchini. Think about the process involved in capturing this image. Before the advent of digital photography, each photograph required careful arrangement, specific lighting, and chemical processes to transfer an image onto paper. The resulting monochrome tones give a timeless feel, almost like a memory. The photograph itself is mounted on card, suggesting its importance as a keepsake. The rigid, embossed border and the photographer’s inscription at the bottom elevate the image from a simple snapshot to a valued portrait, and the sharp focus emphasizes his status and wealth. The photograph's materiality - its texture, the sheen of the image, the solidity of the card - all speak to its function within a culture of portraiture and remembrance. Considering this image as a carefully constructed object allows us to move beyond its surface representation. It encourages us to appreciate the labor and craftsmanship involved in its creation.