Portret van een onbekende vrouw 1888 - 1891

Nicolas Aubry made this carte-de-visite of an unknown woman sometime in the late 19th century. These small photographs were immensely popular, serving as calling cards and keepsakes. The rise of photography democratized portraiture, previously the domain of the wealthy. In this context, consider the sitter's clothing and demeanor. Her modestly adorned dress and somewhat stern expression speak to the values of the rising middle class in Europe at the time. Photography studios emerged as commercial enterprises, shaping photographic conventions and catering to bourgeois tastes. Understanding the social function of these images, the economics of photography, and the aspirations of the middle class, enriches our appreciation. By researching the history of photography, and consulting archives of similar images, we can gain a better understanding of this portrait.