Pasfoto van Marie Witsen-Schorr c. 1860 - 1915

This is a photograph of Marie Witsen-Schorr, made with early 20th-century photographic materials and processes. Likely a gelatin silver print, the image's tones range from deep blacks to bright whites, capturing the subtle textures of her clothing and the soft light on her face. The method of production is significant. Early photography, while relatively novel, was becoming increasingly accessible to the masses, marking a shift in how individuals could represent themselves. The technology democratized portraiture, moving it away from the exclusive realm of painting. The photographic process involved specific chemical treatments, darkroom techniques, and printing methods, each of which would influence the final appearance of the image. The slight imperfections and grainy texture are characteristic of the era, adding to its historical charm and materiality. The image serves as a reminder of the labor, social, and technological conditions of its time. Considering the materials, making, and context, we recognize how photography challenged traditional art forms, blurring the boundaries between art, craft, and industrial production.