Portret van Jacques van Braam, Chris van Braam en Willem H. van Braam 1900 - 1920

This is a photographic portrait of Jacques van Braam, Chris van Braam, and Willem H. van Braam, made by Stephanus Adrianus Schotel. The photograph, with its material qualities of paper, emulsion, and chemical processing, offers insights into the burgeoning era of photographic portraiture and its relationship to social class. Consider the material constraints of early photography. Each image required meticulous preparation, precise timing, and specialized knowledge. The three subjects, presumably members of the Dutch elite, would have to present themselves to be captured in an image that would circulate to reinforce their status. Photography in this era was thus a means of production, involving both skilled labor and specialized equipment. The photograph's inherent capacity to capture details and disseminate images contributed to the expansion of visual culture. By valuing the materials and social implications of this portrait, we gain a deeper understanding of the photograph's cultural significance beyond mere aesthetics.