Portret van een vrouw met muts leunend op stoel 1857 - 1864

This portrait of a woman with a bonnet, leaning on a chair, was made by Wegner & Mottu. The photographic process, introduced in the 19th century, transformed portraiture from an elite activity, reserved for the wealthy who could afford to commission painted portraits, to a more accessible commodity. This photograph is a testament to the rise of industrial capitalism, which brought new forms of production and consumption. The image, captured on a chemically treated plate, represents a shift away from traditional artistic mediums, toward mechanical and chemical processes. This emerging technology democratized image-making, but it also introduced new forms of labor. Photographers, like Wegner & Mottu, became part of a burgeoning industry, producing images for a growing market of consumers eager to capture and preserve their likenesses. As you consider this image, think about the ways in which it reflects broader social and economic changes. Photography blurred the lines between art and industry, challenging traditional notions of artistic skill and value.