Carte-de-Visite
19TH-CENTURY CARTES-DE-VISITE: A CONNECTION BETWEEN HUMAN AND PET BEFORE SOCIAL MEDIA
Two dogs seemingly reading the newspaper. This image taken by the Brussels-based photo studio Delabarre, resembles some of the playful images we might find on social media today. However, the fascination with capturing images of pets dates back to the 19th century.
This trend is closely linked to the popularity of small photographic cartes-de-visite which served as early forms of social media avant la lettre. These prints featured a photo of the holder mounted on cardboard with studio contact details printed on the back. Intentionally small in size, typically 10 by 6 cm [3.94 × 2.36 in], they were meant to be exchanged and collected in order to expand one’s network. Not only did they allow individuals to maintain friendships and acquaintances, but they also served as a means of displaying social aspiration, family values, loyalty, and status. French photographer Eugène Disdéri (1819-1889) played a crucial role in popularising the carte-de-visite, which quickly spread across Europe–including Belgium–where local studios such as Delabarre produced their own adaptations.
Pet photography from the 19th century also provides insight into the original appearances of various dog breeds before extensive selective breeding practices. During this era, the practice of breeding dogs for specific traits gained significant popularity, leading to the establishment of formal breed standards. Over time, these standards and practices significantly altered the appearance of many breeds, making modern dogs look quite different from their 19th-century counterparts. While some features may still be recognisable, it is uncommon to find contemporary dogs that closely resemble those depicted in historical photographs.
To understand the rise of pet photography—particularly images of dogs—it is essential to examine the shifting attitudes toward animals in the second half of the 19th century. During this period, perceptions of pets evolved drastically. While dogs had long served as working animals, the 19th century saw them fully integrated into domestic life as cherished family members. Owning a pet was often viewed as a way to teach children moral values. As a result, painted portraiture and domestic scenes increasingly depicted animals as symbols of loyalty, empathy, and affection.
Similarly, pet photography transcended a simple expression of affection—it became an act of deep connection. Capturing an image of a beloved animal served not only to honor but also to preserve their presence. Capturing an image of a beloved animal was not only a means of honoring them but also of preserving their presence.
This deep emotional bond between dogs and their owners is explored in Danielle Hanifin's research on domestic animals, which delves into how humans project elements of their own identity onto their pets (Hanifin, 2014). These intimate relationships blur the boundaries between species, emphasizing that animals are not merely symbols or possessions but integral members of the family.
Technological advancements during the 19th century reduced the cost of photography, making pet portraits more accessible to middle-class families who could now participate in this once-exclusive practice. Artistic choices in pet cartes-de-visite often mimicked human portraiture, using similar poses, backdrops, and stylistic conventions to elevate pets to the status of valued family members, blurring the line between human and animal subjects.
The humanisation of animals through visual culture, exemplified by the 19th-century photograph of two dogs reading a newspaper, continues today. Pets are often portrayed not just as companions but as extensions of the self, reflecting the owner's emotions, personality, and identity. The desire to emotionally bond with animals through photography remains a central aspect of the human experience.
This enduring legacy extends beyond private family albums to social media, where pets are given profiles, celebrated in images, and deeply integrated into their owners' digital lives. In this way, it can be said that the ideals of 19th century visual culture continue to influence how we see, remember, and cherish our animal companions today.
