Ghibert[?]; Alphonse 1850s - 1860s

This photographic print, mounted on an album page, was made by André-Adolphe-Eugène Disdéri. The print is an example of early photographic techniques in the 19th century. Disdéri was known for popularizing the carte de visite, a small photograph mounted on card stock. The carte de visite was a clever innovation that aligned perfectly with the era's burgeoning consumer culture. As photography became more accessible, Disdéri industrialized the process, using multi-lens cameras to produce multiple images on a single plate. This not only reduced the cost per image but also democratized portraiture, making it available to a wider audience. The choice of photography as a medium is itself significant. In contrast to unique, handcrafted artworks, photography allowed for mass production and distribution, mirroring the industrial processes transforming society at the time. Disdéri’s work represents a shift in the art world, reflecting the impact of industrialization on artistic production and consumption, which blurred the lines between art, commerce, and social representation.