Portret van koningin Emma met prinses Wilhelmina 1885 - 1886

This portrait of Queen Emma and Princess Wilhelmina was made by Carl Pietzner, employing photographic techniques of the late 19th century. The sepia tones you see here result from the chemical processes involved in early photography, where light-sensitive materials react on paper to capture an image. Consider the labor and class dynamics inherent in this medium. Photography, at this time, was becoming increasingly accessible, yet portraiture still carried connotations of status. The ability to commission a photograph, especially of royalty, speaks volumes about access and privilege. The photographic process itself, while becoming more streamlined, still required skilled technicians and specialized equipment, reflecting a complex interplay of industrial advancement and artistic skill. Photographs like this one blur the lines between art and industry, demonstrating how technological innovation could be harnessed to create lasting images, imbued with social and cultural significance. Appreciating the material and processes behind this photograph allows us to see it not just as a record of royalty, but as a reflection of broader societal shifts.