Portret van een onbekende vrouw bij een tafel 1855 - 1885

This photograph of an unknown woman at a table was made by N. Hense. The image has been captured in tones of brown on a rectangular piece of card stock. It is a ‘carte de visite’, a calling card, made by exposing light-sensitive paper to light through a negative. The rise of photography in the mid-19th century brought with it a democratization of portraiture. Previously a privilege of the wealthy, photographic portraits offered an affordable way for ordinary people to record their likeness. Here, a woman, possibly a domestic worker given her simple garb and surroundings, sits formally for the camera. It suggests a deliberate act of self-representation, perhaps to send to loved ones. Despite the apparent simplicity of the final product, the photographic process was complex and time-consuming, requiring specialized knowledge and equipment. The photographer N. Hense, whose name is proudly presented at the base of the card, held all the skills and technology to make this image possible, making him a gatekeeper to cultural memory. By considering the material processes and social context of this photograph, we can appreciate its significance beyond a mere visual representation. It is a testament to the changing landscape of image-making and its impact on social identity.