Portret van een onbekende vrouw, staande naast een stoel 1870 - 1892

This photograph of an unknown woman standing next to a chair was made by Coenraad Cornelis Roskam, though the exact date remains unknown. The photographic process, developed in the 19th century, captured images using light-sensitive materials. The result is this sepia-toned print, a direct trace of light reflecting off the sitter and her surroundings. Consider the social context of such a portrait. It was an expensive luxury, but the rise of photography gradually democratized image-making. The woman’s clothing and the studio setting are carefully arranged. Her dress is particularly striking, evidencing extensive labor in its construction, speaking to both the wearer’s social standing and the industry required to produce such garments. Even the chair has a story to tell. By focusing on the material and social dimensions of this photograph, we appreciate the work not just as a depiction, but as a record of industry, labor, and social aspiration.