Portret van een onbekende vrouw bij een stoel 1871 - 1877

This photograph of an unknown woman, leaning on a tufted chair, was made by Louis Robert Werner in Amsterdam sometime in the late nineteenth century. What strikes me most is the interplay between the woman’s clothing, the photographic process, and the social context of the era. The photograph itself, created through a complex chemical and mechanical process, captures the woman's elaborate dress in meticulous detail. The dress, with its lace trim and carefully draped fabric, speaks to the labor-intensive nature of fashion at the time; from textile production to dressmaking. The tufted chair is also a crafted piece, and symbolizes luxury, its presence alluding to the sitter's social standing. In essence, this photograph preserves a moment in time, made possible by both the technology of photography and the skilled craftsmanship of the clothing and furniture trades. By appreciating the making processes and materials involved, we recognize the convergence of artistry and industry inherent in this piece.