Fotoreproductie van een schilderij met een portret van Elizabeth-Rachel Félix in de rol van La Czarine c. 1850s

Henri de La Blanchère created this photographic reproduction of a painted portrait of Elizabeth-Rachel Félix, or “La Czarine,” sometime between 1821 and 1880, using techniques that were still quite novel at the time. The paper and printing processes used to create these book illustrations were very much of their moment. While the original painting would have been a one-off expression of the artist’s hand, the photographic reproduction allowed for the wide dissemination of Félix’s image. This speaks to the growing role of photography in mass culture. Consider the labor involved in the original painted portrait, but also the chemical processes and printing that went into creating this reproduction. It’s a fascinating blend of traditional artistry and emerging industrial techniques. By understanding the materials and methods, we can appreciate the shift in how art was being produced and consumed in the 19th century, challenging our notions of art and craft.