Portret van een meisje, staand bij een stoel 1863 - 1899

This is a photograph made by Frederik Harting, who lived from 1835 to 1902. While we don't have the exact date, the photographic process is key to understanding this portrait. Harting would have used a camera, a relatively new technology at the time, to capture the image on a treated glass plate. The development process involved careful manipulation of chemicals to bring forth the image. The material of photography – light-sensitive emulsion on glass – dictated the aesthetic. The tones are muted, the pose is static, and the composition carefully arranged. This reflects the need for long exposure times and the desire to create a lasting memento. In this sense, early photography was a specialized craft, requiring technical skill and a keen eye. Consider the social context. Photography democratized portraiture, making it accessible to a wider segment of society. This image speaks to the burgeoning middle class and their desire to document their lives and loved ones. The photograph, once a novelty, quickly became an indispensable part of modern life.