Portret van een vrouw 1873 - 1891

Johannes Baer likely made this portrait of a woman in the late 19th century, using photographic techniques of the time. The sepia tone and oval format speak to a particular era in photography, one that democratized portraiture but also standardized it. The image itself is a chemical creation, light-sensitive materials manipulated to capture a likeness. But consider also the social context: photography allowed for a new kind of image economy. While painting a portrait was traditionally the preserve of the wealthy, photographic studios offered something more accessible. Yet, the very act of posing, the clothing worn, and the careful framing of the shot all speak to a desire for social elevation, a carefully constructed image for public consumption. Looking at this photograph, we can't help but consider the layers of production and consumption at play, and the blurring lines between personal identity and social aspiration.