Portret van een onbekende vrouw 1881 - 1887

This small portrait was produced in Wilhelm Ivens’ studio in Nijmegen using photographic processes. The sepia tone results from the silver-based chemistry on the paper, developed to fix the image. In the 19th century, photography democratized portraiture. No longer the preserve of the wealthy who could afford to commission painted likenesses, photography offered accessibility. The carte-de-visite format, of which this is one, allowed for portraits to be reproduced and shared. Photography studios sprung up in cities, offering a service that met with booming demand. The subject here, an unknown woman, clearly took pride in her appearance, wearing a carefully arranged bonnet, lace collar, and ornate brooch. Her tightly clasped hands and modest gaze speak to the formality of the era. While appearing instantaneous, the photographic process demanded time, skill, and materials. By understanding this, we recognize how photography transformed not only artistic representation but also social interaction.