Portret van Alexandra van Denemarken, prinses van Wales 1860 - 1870

This portrait of Alexandra, Princess of Wales, involves the interplay of photographic chemistry and paper, likely dating back to the late 19th century. Early photography like this was a complex alchemical process. Light-sensitive emulsions, often silver-based, were carefully applied to paper or glass. The resulting image, a product of light and shadow, required precision. Here, the monochrome palette emphasizes the textures and patterns of the Princess's gown. Consider the labor involved: from the photographer meticulously preparing the chemicals, to the sitter, perfectly still for the duration of the exposure, to the factory workers who mass-produced the photographic paper, and the seamstresses who produced Alexandra's elaborate gown. Photography democratized portraiture, a domain previously exclusive to the wealthy who could afford painting commissions. By understanding the means of production and the social context in which they are made, we gain a greater appreciation for photography's importance in our history.