Portret van een onbekende vrouw 1867 - 1879

This photograph of an unknown woman was taken by the studio Kannemans & Zoon, in Breda. The portrait is an example of the carte-de-visite, a small photograph that was very popular in the mid-to-late 19th century. The carte-de-visite emerged alongside the rapid development of photography as a commercial enterprise. As photography became more accessible and affordable, studios like Kannemans & Zoon democratized portraiture. Previously, only the wealthy could afford to have their likeness captured in a painting. With the rise of photography, the middle classes could also participate in visual representation. The woman in the portrait is dressed in a simple but elegant dress, adorned with lace. Her direct gaze suggests a self-assuredness. These cartes-de-visite were often collected in albums and exchanged among friends and family, becoming important tools for building social networks and preserving memories. By looking into studio records, fashion history, and social studies, we can learn more about the cultural context of this fascinating portrait.