Portret van een vrouw 1860 - 1900

This ‘Portret van een Vrouw’ was made by C. Cossmann with an early photographic process. The portrait is a small print, likely albumen, mounted within an album. In the mid-19th century, photography democratized portraiture, making it accessible to a wider public beyond the elite, even if it was still relatively expensive. This material shift influenced the appearance of photography, with the rise of professional studios to cater to growing demand. Photography became increasingly integrated into everyday life, capturing people, places, and events that reflected a changing world. This has social significance, offering insights into the lives and aspirations of ordinary people. Photographic albums became important as displays of identity, personal status, and social connection. They demonstrate the desire to preserve memories and present a carefully curated image of oneself and one's family to the world. By considering photography's materiality and social context, we can move beyond traditional notions of fine art and understand the medium’s broader cultural significance.