Fotoreproductie van een portret van Louise van Pruisen before 1883

This is a photograph of a portrait of Louise of Prussia, made sometime in the 19th or early 20th century, when photography was becoming a common way to reproduce and distribute images. This image speaks to the politics of imagery and the public role of art, especially portraiture. Royalty had long been patrons of the arts and this portrait creates meaning through visual codes and historical associations. The photograph has captured the Princess in all her royal regalia. However, the image has also become standardized through reproduction. It can be viewed by many people, thereby turning into a representation of royal authority and reinforcing social structures. The image creates meaning through visual codes and historical associations. Historical research and archival materials allow us to explore the institutional contexts and social conditions that shaped the production and reception of art at this time. Through them, we can analyze this photograph and other artworks as reflections of their cultural moment.