Portret van een vrouw 1860 - 1900

Michel Berthaud created this portrait of a woman using photography, a medium that democratized image-making in the 19th century. In this period, photography studios emerged as important social spaces, particularly in urban centers across Europe and North America. A visit to the photographer became a ritualized performance, where individuals carefully curated their appearance and pose to convey specific messages about their identity and social standing. The woman's modest attire suggests a middle-class background, while her composed demeanor and the studio setting reflect the sitter's desire for respectability and social advancement. Historical archives, census records, and fashion studies can reveal more about the sitter and the significance of portraiture in the 19th century. Photography provides insight into the social customs and aspirations of the time, offering a window into a world of shifting identities.