Portret van een jonge vrouw 1861 - 1890

This is a photograph of a young woman, made by Albert Greiner sometime in the mid-to-late 19th century. It's a small object, made through the wet collodion process – a technique that democratized image-making. Think about what went into this image: the glass plate negative, the chemical baths, the careful exposure to light, and the final print on paper. Each step demanded precision and skill. But the real story lies in the context. Photography emerged as a powerful tool during the Industrial Revolution. It allowed for mass production of images, transforming how people saw themselves and the world. This small portrait, with its carefully posed subject and ornate frame, speaks to a new era of accessibility. Photography offered a way for ordinary people to participate in a culture previously reserved for the wealthy. It blurred the lines between art and craft, high culture and everyday life, in ways we are still grappling with today.