Portret van een onbekende vrouw c. 1892 - 1906

Machiel Hendricus Laddé made this photograph of an unknown woman in Amsterdam, sometime around the turn of the 20th century. This small albumen print offers us a glimpse into the visual culture of the Netherlands during a period of significant social change. Photography in this era was becoming more accessible, yet portraiture retained its connection to social status. The sitter's attire – the high-necked blouse, the tailored jacket with decorative details – speaks to a middle-class aspiration, a desire to participate in the visual representation of self that was increasingly available. Yet, the anonymity of the sitter also points to the limitations of historical knowledge. Understanding this image requires delving into the archives, examining studio records, and exploring the social history of photography in the Netherlands. This photograph, like so many others, reminds us that art is always embedded in a complex web of social and institutional practices.