Portret van een onbekende vrouw 1864 - 1872

This is a photographic portrait of an unknown woman, made by J. Korsten in the mid-19th century. The photographic process involves a complex interaction of chemistry and optics, which at this time was transitioning from a unique and handcrafted process into an industrial one. The image itself, captured on a light-sensitive plate, reveals certain qualities of the woman portrayed. Her carefully arranged hair, formal attire, and composed expression all speak to the material conditions of the era. As photography became more accessible, portraits like this offered a new way to capture and disseminate images of individuals, and for them to present themselves in a new form. The material qualities of the photograph itself—its small size, sepia tone, and glossy surface—impart a sense of intimacy. This reflects the era’s changing relationship to labor, politics, and consumption. Thinking about how it was made, and the social context in which it was circulated, we can start to appreciate how it reflects the changing boundaries of art, craft, and everyday life.