Portret van een vrouw 1857 - 1898

This is a photographic portrait of a woman, made by Pieter Siewers, sometime in the mid- to late-19th century. The photograph is a physical object, the product of a very particular kind of labor. The photographer would have needed specialized knowledge, both of chemistry and optics. The sitter, too, would have participated in the making of the image, holding still for the duration of the exposure. The final print is small, and was likely mounted in an album along with other family members or friends. It is a precious thing, but also a repeatable one. Photographs like these became common in the 19th century, due to the burgeoning industry surrounding photography. Materials, equipment, and expertise were all increasingly available, a reflection of the industrial revolution. This portrait, like so many others, reflects the shift from unique handmade objects to those made by processes of mass production. It reminds us that even what seems like a simple likeness is actually the result of a complex social and technological process.