Portret van Lot en Carel Matthes als jonge kinderen c. 1889s

This small photographic print by Stafhell & Kleingrothe portrays Lot and Carel Matthes as young children. Photography emerged in the 19th century, altering representational art. It’s a chemical process, light-sensitive materials capture an image, preserved through development. Consider the social implications: photography democratized portraiture. Previously, only the wealthy could afford painted portraits, but with photography, families from various social strata could capture and preserve their likeness. The rise of photography studios created new jobs, from photographers to darkroom technicians. The sepia tone gives the print an antique feel, a consequence of the materials and processes used. It speaks to the broader shift from handmade to machine-made, fine art to mass production. These developments challenge traditional distinctions between art and craft. The materiality and making of a photograph provide its full meaning and cultural value.