Introduction
This essay mainly refers to the society in which photography arose. We shall look at the economic and social situation when photography appeared and how photography was perceived by the Victorians. Also some aspects of the problematic discussion if photography can become an art are considered in this essay. These aspects are concerning only the nineteenth century and what people thought in that time about this topic.
The first chapter tells the history of photography. It covers an overview how photography developed and what advantages each development involved.
The second chapter deals with the initial situation when photography was first publicly announced in 1839. We will come across cultural and scientific institutions and the infrastructure of the means of communication in that time. This is important for an understanding of the context in which the invention of photography took place. And therefore to see why photography developed so fast and powerfully in that century.
The third section is about photography as a business, concerning its economical and technical expansion. It illuminates the fact that photography was on the way to become a mass media but was still too expensive to reach all social strata. Moreover, we will have a look at the middle class which is held responsible for supporting photography the most, being the bearer-class and upholder of photography.
The fourth chapter highlights the functions photography had. It explains which social requirements and conventions photography had to obey to survive. Furthermore, we will pay attention to some reactions that were written down in newspapers and magazines about the new phenomenon. This section, concentrates on the thesis Jens Jäger had formulated in his book Gesellschaft und Photographie (Opladen 1996), namely that photography’s function was steered and defined by the people’s views and values. The question we will look at is: Which objects were considered to be worth to take a photo of and why?
The fifth chapter concerns itself with the artistic status of photography and with its discussions and debates that were led in the Victorian time when photography was classified mainly as a scientific (mechanical and optical) process. In this section I will write, as well, about some photographers who are said to have been artists and to have produced some important artistic works.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- I The History of Photography
- II Set of Settings in which photography arose
- III Development of Photography as a Business
- IV Application and Reception of Photography
- V Was photography considered to have an artistic function?
- VI Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay examines the social and economic context in which photography emerged during the Victorian era. It explores the initial reception of photography by Victorians, analyzes its development as a business and its various applications, and investigates the debate surrounding its artistic status. The focus is on the period between 1839 and 1860, drawing heavily on Jens Jäger's book "Gesellschaft und Photographie."
- The social and economic environment surrounding the emergence of photography.
- The development of photography as a business and its impact on different social strata.
- The diverse functions of photography and its role in shaping Victorian society.
- The debate over photography's artistic status and the recognition of photographers as artists.
- The influence of Victorian values and perceptions on the development and reception of photography.
Chapter Summaries
- Introduction: This chapter provides an overview of the essay's focus on Victorian society and its perception of photography. It outlines the key themes to be explored, including photography's historical development, its role in different social settings, and the debate about its artistic merit.
- I The History of Photography: This chapter traces the historical development of photography, from the early descriptions of the camera obscura to the invention of motion pictures. It highlights key innovations, such as Daguerreotype and Calotype processes, and emphasizes the rapid technological advancements that fueled photography's growth during the Victorian era.
- II Set of Settings in which photography arose: This chapter examines the cultural, scientific, and social environment surrounding the emergence of photography in 1839. It explores the infrastructure of communication, scientific institutions, and societal norms that shaped the initial reception of photography and its rapid adoption by Victorians.
- III Development of Photography as a Business: This chapter delves into the economic and technical expansion of photography as a business. It highlights the role of the middle class in supporting photography and the challenges of making it accessible to all social strata. This section provides insights into the business aspects of photography and its growing influence in Victorian society.
- IV Application and Reception of Photography: This chapter focuses on the various functions of photography in Victorian society. It examines how photography responded to social conventions and requirements, showcasing its role in documenting events, capturing portraits, and representing everyday life. This chapter also discusses the reception of photography in newspapers and magazines, highlighting public reactions and opinions.
- V Was photography considered to have an artistic function?: This chapter delves into the debate surrounding photography's artistic status in the Victorian era. It examines the classification of photography as a scientific process and explores the arguments and discussions around recognizing it as a valid art form. This section also introduces some photographers who were considered artists and whose works contributed to elevating photography's artistic standing.
Keywords
This essay focuses on the intersection of photography and society during the Victorian era. Key terms include photography's historical development, its social and economic contexts, its artistic status, its reception and application in Victorian society, and the influence of Victorian values on its development and perception. The work draws heavily on the research and analysis of Jens Jäger in his book "Gesellschaft und Photographie," providing a detailed examination of the period between 1839 and 1860.
- Quote paper
- Monika Rusek (Author), 2005, Photography and society in the Victorian Era - based on Jens Jäger's book 'Gesellschaft und Photographie - Formen und Funktionen der Photographie in Deutschland und England 1839-1860', Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/77188
