Portret van een zittende vrouw met muts 1884 - 1886

Richard Kameke made this albumen print of a seated woman with a bonnet at an unknown date. The portrait is a window into the social conventions of its time, likely made in the Netherlands. The formal pose, the subject’s attire, and even the photographic medium itself speak to the sitter’s social standing, reflecting the values and aspirations of the Dutch middle class. Without a date, it is difficult to place it within the history of Dutch photography, however, we might look at the Rijksmuseum’s photography collection to compare it with similar examples. Analysis of fashion, especially the design of the bonnet, may also give us an idea of its historical moment. By studying these factors, we can begin to understand the role of photography in constructing and reinforcing social identities.