Portret van een staande vrouw met bloemen in de hand 1870 - 1890

Cooper's Studio created this portrait of a standing woman with flowers, though we don't know exactly when. This kind of photograph, often found in family albums, offers a fascinating window into the social conventions of the time. Consider the woman’s pose and dress. The flowers add a touch of delicate beauty, but the somber tone suggests a restrained dignity, reflecting the values of the middle class. The studio backdrop, with its painted flowers, was a common feature, creating an idealized setting for the sitter. This was the era of burgeoning photography studios, where ordinary people could have their likeness captured, a privilege previously reserved for the wealthy. Understanding this image requires delving into the history of photography and the social conditions that shaped it. Archival research into photographic studios of the period can tell us more about the aspirations and self-representation of the people who commissioned them. This portrait invites us to think about the evolving role of images in society and their power to shape our understanding of the past.