Rutot was an early promoter of artistic photography in Belgium.  In 1888, Rutot spoke about the “personal expression of the photographer” -his views were printed  in the Bulletin de L’ABP (Bulletin for the Brussels Artistic and Literary Circle) :  “On this occasion Mr. A. Rutot emphasized photography’s aptitude, when guided by artistic sensibilities, not only to reproduce faithfully the various aspects and manifestations of nature, but also to become impregnated with the artist’s own personality.  For example, he urged the viewer to compare the positives of Messrs. Alexandre, Neck, and Puttemans, and at the end of the meeting everybody acknowledged that all the prints, while very successful in themselves, also demonstrated a striking personal element; a special note, one might say, that each artist had imprinted on his work.  This must have come as something of a shock to those who still believe that photography entails nothing more than the application of chemical and mechanical processes.” 1.

1.  Impressionist Camera: Pictorial Photography in Europe , 1888-1918  p. 161