Fotoreproductie van een schilderij van een rivierlandschap nabij Dordrecht before 1876

This is a photographic reproduction made by Anselm Schmitz of a river landscape painting near Dordrecht. Dordrecht, in the Netherlands, has been a significant port city since the medieval period. This small image gives us a glimpse into the institutional history of art in the 19th century. Photography allowed art historical knowledge to be disseminated widely for the first time, in a way that was previously only available to those privileged enough to travel and see the works in person. The original painting, made in the 17th century, would have been a luxury object, designed to appeal to wealthy patrons. In contrast, this photo-reproduction is part of a book. The development of new technologies, combined with an increased interest in art and culture, made art accessible to a much broader audience. To understand this image fully, we need to consult archives of art publishers and study the history of photography. Only then can we understand the social role of this reproduction.