The Two Ways of Life

work by Rejlander

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

The Two Ways of Life is a renowned photograph created by O.G. Rejlander in 1857. Rejlander, considered the "father of art photography," aimed to elevate photography to the status of fine art by imitating painting techniques.

This particular work is an allegory that combines over 30 negatives to depict the path of virtue versus vice. Inspired by the composition of Raphael's School of Athens, Rejlander's photograph was groundbreaking for its complex assembly and artistic intent. It was so admired that Queen Victoria purchased it for Prince Albert. Rejlander's approach, known as Pictorialism, sought painterly effects and influenced subsequent debates on photography's artistic merit.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

O.G. Rejlander
His most famous work, The Two Ways of Life (1857), was based on the background and arrangement of Raphael’s School of Athens (1509–11) and was created by combining more than 30 negatives. Shown in the Manchester Art Treasures Exhibition of 1857, the photograph was purchased by Queen Victoria as…
Read More
His most famous work, The Two Ways of Life (1857), was based on the background and arrangement of Raphael’s School of Athens (1509–11) and was created by combining more than 30 negatives. Shown in the Manchester Art Treasures Exhibition of 1857, the photograph was purchased by Queen Victoria as…
Read More