Portret van Bertha Temmink 1860 - 1877

This photograph of Bertha Temmink was made by Bernardus Bruining in the Netherlands, likely in the late 19th century, during the rise of commercial portraiture. Photography’s democratization in this period presented a challenge to traditional portrait painting, offering new possibilities for representing individuals across social strata. The oval format and sepia tone of this carte-de-visite evoke a sense of classical portraiture, yet the accessibility of photography allowed for a broader clientele. Bertha’s attire and jewelry signal a certain social standing, reflecting the aspirations of the Dutch middle class. Understanding this image requires considering the burgeoning photographic industry, the social conventions of portraiture, and the values of Dutch society at the time. Careful attention to costume, pose, and format can reveal much about the cultural meanings embedded in this seemingly simple portrait.