Portret van een onbekende jonge vrouw met boeken 1885 - 1890

This photograph, made by Hilaire d’Argent, presents an unknown young woman with books. A relatively new medium at the time, photography was less precious than painting. It democratized portraiture and the creation of images, marking a major shift in modes of production and consumption of visual culture. In this sepia-toned image, the texture of her patterned dress, the smoothness of the books, and the rough backdrop all play important roles. The tonal range speaks to the alchemical processes of early photography, involving light-sensitive materials. The final image is evidence of the photographer's skill and careful manipulation of chemistry and light. D’Argent designates himself as a “photographe” at the bottom of the print. In this way, photography challenged older hierarchies of labor and skill, and questioned traditional divisions between art, craft, and industry. It allowed for new modes of production and self-expression, and gave more people the opportunity to participate in the creation and consumption of images.