Portret van een jonge vrouw 1881 - 1885

This portrait of a young woman was made by Johann Georg Hameter, who lived in the 19th century, using the photographic techniques available at the time. What may seem commonplace to us now—a personal photograph—was once a novel and specialized production. Early photography demanded careful preparation of chemicals, precise timing, and a dedicated studio space. The subject, too, had to be still for extended periods, which explains the young woman's serious expression. Consider, too, the cultural significance of this image. It would have been a cherished object, a physical manifestation of memory and social connection. Placed within an album, alongside other family portraits, it represents a carefully curated presentation of identity. The material presence of the photograph, its delicate surface and intimate scale, speaks to the value placed on personal relationships in a rapidly industrializing world. It reminds us that even in the age of mass production, handcrafted values persist.