Drie portretten van vrouwen 1900 - 1930

Editor: Here we have Henri Manuel's "Three Portraits of Women", a photographic work dating from the early 20th century. They look quite delicate. What strikes me most is how similar they are. What do you see in it? Curator: Immediately I'm drawn to the materials and processes that made these photographs possible. The consistent poses, the repeated umbrellas and white dresses suggest not just a series of portraits, but a specific engagement with the culture of photography at the time. How do you think these elements contribute to the meaning of the piece? Editor: I think the portraits highlight the limited possibilities and restricted lives that middle- and upper-class women had then. The uniformity also highlights how dependent these photos are on photographic techniques. Curator: Exactly. The techniques, materials and process become important here: Pictorialism allowed a blending of artistic ideals with industrial processes of the early 20th century, which gives you these slightly blurred, idealized impressions. Do you see anything in the use of setting? Editor: Yes, they appear to be outdoors or against painted backdrops – hinting at both leisure and artifice. These women seem staged, almost like commodities. Curator: And this touches on how social status and photography intertwine. Consider the labor involved in producing these images: the photographer, the studio assistants, the dressmakers… photography here reinforces social divisions but also becomes a vehicle for image crafting. Editor: I never considered it like that, there are more stakeholders in the piece than initially thought. Looking through that perspective changes the way one appreciates the image and work, beyond just aesthetics!