Portret van een zittende vrouw 1855 - 1890

This is an early photographic portrait, likely made in the mid-19th century, by A. Jensen. Looking at the materiality of this portrait, we see a direct connection to the rise of industrial capitalism. Photography itself was a new technology, and portraits like this democratized representation. Before, only the wealthy could afford to be painted. Consider the woman’s dress: the fabric, the cut, and the elaborate construction. All speak to a burgeoning textile industry, the availability of sewing machines, and the labor of countless garment workers. The very act of posing for a photograph, of participating in this new form of image-making, reflects a shift in social values. By considering the materials and processes behind this portrait, we gain insight into the social and economic transformations of the time, reminding us that even a simple image can tell a complex story about labor, class, and consumption.