7/4/2024 Carte de visite

Carte de visite, translating to "visiting card" in English, refers to a type of small photographic portrait popularized in the mid-19th century. Originating in France, these cards typically featured a person's portrait, name, and often their occupation or social status, serving as a means of introduction or social networking. The practice became widespread during the Victorian era, reflecting the growing middle class's desire for social connections and the popularity of photography as a means of personal documentation. Cartes de visite played a significant role in shaping social conventions and self-representation, offering insight into the fashion, etiquette, and aspirations of the time. Additionally, they became collectible items and were exchanged as mementos or kept in albums, sometimes leading to amusing discoveries when browsing through historical collections and encountering unexpected faces or eccentric poses.