Art & culture
E.L.T. Mesens and a three-view Photomaton
A booth record that does not fit a universal four-frame rule.
The Centre Pompidou record identifies E.L.T. Mesens as the represented person while listing the maker as anonymous.
Three views in the description
The catalogue dates the gelatin silver print to around 1929 and explicitly describes three views. The strip measures 15.5 × 3.8 cm and has inventory number AM 2003-287 (5). Its title names Mesens, but the artist field should not be silently rewritten to make him the attributed photographer.
Evidence: Collection record
Why the fields matter
This object is a useful reminder that a photobooth archive can contain sequences of different surviving lengths and different attribution conventions. Keep the actual view count in your notes. A modern four-frame layout is a creative choice, not proof that every historical strip originally had four images.
Sources & further reading
Sources for the specific facts and product descriptions above. Our worked examples, interpretations and practical suggestions are original editorial guidance.
- Centre Pompidou — E.L.T. Mesens, photomaton portrait (circa 1929)Collection record