Fotoreproductie van Moutons dans le bois van Ch. Jacques c. 1858 - 1863

This photographic reproduction of “Moutons dans le bois” by Charles Jacques shows us a flock of sheep in a wooded area. The anonymous photographer has used a process that captures the scene in muted tones. The image is a copy of an original artwork, drawing our attention to the act of reproduction itself. Photography in the 19th century was a rapidly developing technology, with the potential for widespread distribution of images. This raises questions about originality, and the value of hand-made versus mechanically produced art. While Jacques, the original artist, engaged with traditional methods of painting, this anonymous photographer used the new industrial medium to circulate his work. Consider the labor involved in shepherding, the pastoral scene, and how these are mediated through both Jacques’ artistic vision and the photographer’s technical skill. It reminds us that the meaning of art lies not only in its subject, but also in the materials and processes that bring it into being.