Fotoreproductie van het schilderij Les enfants d'Edouard door Paul Delaroche before 1883

This is a photographic reproduction of Paul Delaroche's painting "The Children of Edward," found within the pages of a book at the Rijksmuseum. Though anonymous, the photograph captures a key moment in history painting of the 19th century. Delaroche's original painting, now lost, depicted the young princes, Edward and Richard, imprisoned in the Tower of London before their presumed murder. This photograph offers a window into the Victorian era's fascination with tragic narratives, particularly those involving vulnerable children and the abuses of power. The sentimental depiction served to reinforce a particular moral sensibility. The image’s circulation through reproductive technologies speaks to the democratization of art and the broad dissemination of cultural values. It also raises questions about originality, authenticity, and how meaning shifts across different mediums. Consider how the emotional impact is mediated through the lens of an anonymous photographer.