Portret van een jonge vrouw achter een balustrade 1880 - 1901

Hendrik Boonstoppel created this portrait of a young woman using photographic techniques. It’s a small print, likely a ‘carte de visite,’ which was a very popular format at the time. Photography, particularly portraiture, was a rapidly developing industry then, becoming increasingly accessible. Yet, a portrait like this still signified a certain level of social standing. The subject's clothing, though not extravagant, is carefully chosen and fashionable. The backdrop is artificial, indicating that the photo was taken in a studio, where Boonstoppel would have carefully controlled the lighting and composition. Photography like this was considered a craft, requiring a delicate balance of technical skill, artistic vision, and an understanding of materials. The very act of posing for a photograph, the time and expense involved, all contributed to its social significance. The resulting photograph served as a physical artifact of memory, identity, and social connection. It reminds us that every image is a result of careful labor and a product of its time.