Portret van twee meisjes, zittend en staand op een stoel 1884 - 1895

This photograph, likely a carte-de-visite, made by C. van der Aa & J. Chrispijn, captures two young girls in a studio setting. The photographic process itself is key here. These small portraits were a product of mass culture, enabled by industrial chemistry and printing. The rise of photography democratized image-making, extending portraiture beyond the realm of the wealthy, and embedding photos into everyday life. Consider the clothing of the girls - the striped stockings, the carefully sewn dresses. These were also products of expanding textile industries, reflecting the rise of consumer culture. The photo's sepia tone and small size speak to the era in which it was made, offering a window into the past. Yet, it is important to remember that this was a highly staged image, carefully constructed to project an image of middle-class respectability. By looking closely at the materials and production of this image, we can better understand its place within a wider history of labor, social status, and consumption.