None 1850s - 1860s

André-Adolphe-Eugène Disdéri made this photographic print in the 19th century, mounted on an album page. This is an example of a "carte de visite," a calling card format that Disdéri patented. The material is albumen print, made using a process involving paper coated with egg white to increase its sensitivity to light. This process resulted in a sharp image with a wide tonal range. Each of the six photographs required time and labor to produce, from preparing the photographic plates to developing the image and mounting it. The card format speaks to the rise of mass production and consumption in the 19th century. Photography was becoming more accessible, but still required technical expertise. The subject, in her elaborate dress, conveys status and wealth, reflecting the aspirations of a rising middle class. Disdéri's innovative approach made photography into an industry, demonstrating the intersection of art, commerce, and social identity.