Beeld van Venus door Canova c. 1865 - 1890

This photograph of Canova's Venus was made by Edizione Brogi in Florence, using albumen print on paper. The image captures the smooth, idealized surface of the marble sculpture, yet the albumen print itself has a distinct materiality. Its sepia tones and subtle texture, achieved through a chemical process, add a layer of interpretation to Canova's original work. Photographs like these were popular souvenirs for tourists, democratizing access to famous artworks. But it’s important to remember that they were also products of labor, involving photographers, darkroom technicians, and printers. Each print represents hours of skilled work, often unseen and uncredited. Looking at this photograph reminds us that even reproductions have their own story to tell, shaped by the materials, processes, and social context in which they were made. It challenges us to consider the value and meaning we assign to art, and the labor that brings it into being.