Portret van een zittende vrouw 1864 - 1879

Dirk Niekerk made this portrait of a seated woman using photographic methods typical of the 19th century. Although the details of its production are not directly visible, the final image provides insights into the socio-economic context of the era. Photography in the 1800's involved a labor-intensive process of chemical preparation, exposure, and development, usually performed by skilled artisans like Niekerk. The choice of attire worn by the woman, rendered visible through the tonal range achieved in the photographic print, tells a silent story of the textile industry and fashion trends. The photograph functions as both a representation of an individual and a material record embedded within a network of production, consumption, labor, and class. Examining the materiality and making of such artifacts encourages us to rethink conventional ideas about art history, urging a deeper understanding of their cultural significance.