Portret van een vrouw, vermoedelijk M. Marmelstein-Thornburn 1880 - 1885

This portrait photograph, created between 1880 and 1885, is a work of A. Kaulfuss, a photographer who was active in Penang between 1861 and 1909. The sitter is likely M. Marmelstein-Thornburn, depicted in a formal pose, gazing slightly to the right. Kaulfuss's style is evident in the detail of the sitter's clothing and the soft lighting that creates a gentle and intimate atmosphere, characteristic of 19th-century portrait photography. The small size of the photograph, measuring just 165mm by 106mm, suggests it was intended for personal use as a cherished memento. The image is a valuable glimpse into the lives of individuals during a period of significant social and technological change.