Portret van een vrouw met halsketting met medaillon 1858 - 1890

This portrait of a woman with a medallion necklace was made by A. Böeseken, using photographic techniques. It’s a small image, part of a larger album page. The photographic process was a relatively new form of image production at the time, involving a complex interplay of chemistry, light, and skilled labor. It demanded not only artistic sensitivity in composition and posing, but also technical expertise in preparing and manipulating the photographic materials. The result is a delicate balance between the objectivity of the camera and the subjective choices of the photographer. Consider the social context in which this photograph was made. Photography democratized portraiture, making it accessible to a wider segment of society than ever before. This image speaks to the rise of a middle class with aspirations of visibility and permanence. Paying attention to the materials and making of this artwork allows us to appreciate its historical and social significance. It urges us to consider the labor, materials, and cultural values embedded within.