Portret van Wilhelm Ochse met zijn dochter op zijn arm c. 1918 - 1925

This is a portrait of Wilhelm Ochse with his daughter, an anonymous photograph made using a glass negative and photographic paper. The photographic process was fairly new, so it's interesting to consider this image through the lens of production. The act of taking a photograph was itself a labor-intensive process. It required careful handling of chemicals, precise timing, and specialized equipment. The final print, mounted on card stock, was a precious object, a testament to both the sitter's desire for representation and the photographer's skill. This particular portrait, with its decorative frame printed onto the card, elevates the image, giving the person portrayed a touch of artistic flair. The creation of this photograph reflects the increasing accessibility of image-making during the late 19th century. It's a reminder that even seemingly simple objects can reveal complex stories about labor, class, and the desire for self-representation. By acknowledging the means through which it was made, we can understand its social significance more completely.