Portret van een staand meisje in jurk 1860 - 1900

This portrait of a standing girl in a dress was made by Johann Schäfer using photography, a relatively new medium at the time. Consider the material reality of early photography. Light-sensitive chemicals, glass plates, and laborious darkroom processes were essential. The subject had to stand still for extended periods, as any movement would blur the image. Looking closely, you might notice a certain stiffness in the girl’s pose, which wasn't a natural form of self-expression. Photography democratized portraiture. While previously only the wealthy could afford painted portraits, photography offered a more accessible option. This shift had social implications, as a wider range of people could now participate in visual representation. Schäfer's portrait captures a moment in time, preserving the image of a young girl and reflecting broader shifts in technology and society. It challenges us to consider photography as a medium with its own history and material constraints.