Portret van Zelma Hedin 1850 - 1874

Selma Jacobsson created this albumen print of Zelma Hedin sometime in the late 19th century. The photograph speaks to the rise of a new kind of visual culture. As photography became more accessible, portraiture was no longer the exclusive domain of the wealthy, as middle-class families also sought to record and display their status. This portrait of Hedin exemplifies the conventions of bourgeois portraiture: her elaborate dress and hairstyle speak to her social standing, and her demure pose reflects the era's ideals of femininity. Made in Sweden, the photograph reflects the values of a society undergoing rapid modernization. Historical archives and genealogical records could tell us more about Hedin and her place in Swedish society. By studying such sources, we can gain insight into the social and cultural forces that shaped both the subject and the photographer, connecting the personal to broader historical trends.