Napoleon Eugène Lodewijk Bonaparte op een pony voor een scherm Possibly 1868 - 1900

This photograph of Napoleon Eugène Lodewijk Bonaparte on a pony was made anonymously, using a process that was still quite novel at the time. Photography, emerging in the 19th century, democratized image-making. It provided a seemingly objective representation of reality, in contrast to the hand-crafted nature of painting or sculpture. But even photography involves choices of material and process that shape its meaning. Consider the materiality of this small print. The monochromatic tones, the texture of the paper, and the way the image is captured all contribute to its aesthetic. It's a far cry from a high-resolution digital image; the photograph offers a tangible, almost nostalgic connection to the past. Think, too, about the labor involved. From the production of photographic materials to the act of capturing and printing the image, photography relies on industrial processes and skilled labor. This challenges traditional notions of artistic skill, shifting the focus from individual genius to collaborative production. It reminds us that even seemingly straightforward images are the product of complex social and technological forces.