Portret van twee zittende vrouwen bij een klimop 1860 - 1900

Rothomago Fils’ small photograph shows two women, adorned with ivy crowns and garlands, posed formally in front of what appears to be a wire-netting fence. The practice of photography in the 19th century had a democratizing effect on portraiture. As photography became less expensive, portraits were no longer exclusive to the wealthy. However, the visual codes of formal portraiture, such as posture and setting, still conveyed social status. The ivy, a classical motif, may allude to the women’s refined education and social standing. The act of posing together, similarly, suggests a close emotional bond, which was becoming more openly expressed in cultural life during this period. Historians examining such images often consult archives of personal letters, diaries, and social records to better understand the subjects' lives and the cultural context in which they lived. Art is always tied to specific times and places.