Fotoreproductie van een getekend portret van een vrouw 1855 - 1900

This is a photographic reproduction of a drawn portrait of a woman by Mayer & Pierson. The artwork, now residing in the Rijksmuseum, encapsulates the burgeoning era of photography and its relationship with traditional art forms like drawing. The image, with its delicate lines and soft shading, mimics the aesthetic qualities of a fine drawing, yet it's mediated through the relatively new technology of photography. This raises questions about the role of the artist in an age of mechanical reproduction. Was photography seen as a threat to traditional portraiture, or as a tool for wider dissemination? To understand this, we can delve into the history of photography in the 19th century, examining the social and economic factors that influenced its development and reception. We can also explore the institutional context of the Rijksmuseum, considering how its collection policies reflect changing attitudes towards art and technology. Only then can we grasp the full significance of this intriguing artwork.