Portret van de Hongaarse componist Albert Ketèlbey 1920 - 1930

This photographic portrait of the Hungarian composer Albert Ketèlbey was made by an anonymous photographer, using a process that was becoming increasingly popular at the time. Photography, unlike painting or sculpture, involves a very particular kind of labour. It depends upon the mechanization of reproduction. This allows for greater efficiency, but also raises questions about authorship and artistic skill. The photographer's expertise lies in the mastery of technical equipment, and the capturing of the right image. The value of photography, in the context of portraiture, resides in its ability to capture a likeness quickly, and at relatively low cost. This accessibility democratized the practice of portraiture, making it available to a broader segment of society, and enabling the mass production of images. The image speaks to social context, labor, politics, and consumption, and the work involved in production. By considering the materials and processes, we can appreciate photography's impact on visual culture, and how it challenges traditional notions of art.