Groepsportret van drie meisjes en een jongen, vermoedelijk broers en zussen c. 1876 - 1917

This photograph of three girls and a boy, likely siblings, was made by Abraham Koorenhoff in Leiden. The image is printed on a thin card, a popular format in the late 19th century known as a "carte de visite." Photography in this era was becoming more accessible due to industrial advancements, yet it remained a laborious process. Each print required careful chemical processing, and the photographer's skill was crucial in achieving a clear image. The sepia tone is a result of the chemical development, giving the image a warm, aged feel. Consider the clothing of the children, likely reflecting a family of some means. These textiles, mass-produced yet carefully chosen, speak to the growing consumer culture of the time. The act of commissioning a portrait itself indicates a certain social standing, a desire to capture and preserve a moment in time. By understanding the materials and processes involved, we can appreciate how photography democratized portraiture, while still reflecting the social and economic realities of its time.