Brignoli 1869 - 1874

This portrait of Brignoli was made as a 'carte de visite' by Jeremiah Gurney in the United States. Without a specified date, it is difficult to determine when exactly this photograph was taken, but 'cartes de visite' became incredibly popular in the 1860s. These small photographic portraits reflect the democratizing influence of photography, as they were relatively inexpensive and accessible to a wider range of social classes compared to traditional painted portraits. 'Cartes de visite' allowed individuals to participate in visual culture and construct their public image. The format also fueled a culture of collecting and exchanging portraits, functioning as a social currency. People would collect images of celebrities, politicians, or even friends and family, showcasing their social connections and cultural awareness. To understand this image further, we can research into the practices of photographic studios at the time and the conventions of portraiture, and how these reflected and shaped social identities.