Portret van een onbekende vrouw met een muts 1880 - 1884

This photographic portrait of an unknown woman, complete with a traditional bonnet and lace details, was created by Nicolaas Jelles van Ulsen. The photograph itself is more than just an image; it is a material object, a testament to the rise of photography as a commercial practice. During this period, photography studios emerged as spaces where individuals could access the modern technology of image-making, immortalizing likenesses and creating tangible mementos. The popularity of photographs speaks to shifting social values, and the rise of consumer culture. Consider the economic implications of these photographic processes. While the subject may be of modest means, the act of commissioning a portrait speaks to a desire for social recognition and the preservation of personal identity within a rapidly changing world. The very existence of this image invites us to reflect on the interplay between technology, labor, and the democratization of representation in the late 19th century. It underscores the intersection of material culture and social history.