Portret van een onbekende vrouw in klederdracht van Marken, Noord-Holland 1860 - 1890

This is a portrait of an unknown woman in traditional clothing, made by Andries Jager sometime in the late 19th century. It’s a photographic print, likely albumen, a process that was popular at the time for its fine detail and warm tones. The image itself is quite small, yet it captures a wealth of information about the sitter's garments, made from textiles. Her skirt, blouse and bonnet would have taken hours of handwork to produce. The patterned shawl has been either embroidered or printed. Each of these processes leaves its own trace, reflecting a specific history of skill, labor, and the cultural values attached to these crafts. Think about how much work would have gone into the clothes she's wearing, and how much more went into the photograph. It's important to remember that every object, whether it’s a piece of clothing or a photograph, carries with it a story of making, and a connection to the wider world of materials, labor, and social life.