Portret van een onbekende vrouw 1892 - 1906

Machiel Hendricus Laddé created this carte-de-visite of an unknown woman in Amsterdam, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century. Photography at this time wasn't just about capturing a likeness, it was deeply entwined with social status and self-presentation. Looking at the sitter's attire, from her ruffled blouse to the elaborate ribbon at her neck, we get a sense of the values and aspirations of middle-class Dutch society. Amsterdam, as a bustling port city, was experiencing rapid economic and social changes during this period. Portrait studios like Laddé's played a crucial role in shaping the visual culture of the time, both reflecting and reinforcing prevailing notions of beauty, respectability, and social identity. To truly understand this image, we might explore archival sources: studio records, fashion magazines, and social histories of the Netherlands. Each of these resources would offer insight into the cultural meanings embedded within this seemingly simple portrait. By studying the social and institutional contexts, we can better understand how this image participated in the creation of identity and social status.