Portret van meisje met paraplu en fotoalbum 1850 - 1880

This is a portrait of a girl with an umbrella and photo album, captured by Hendrik Dresselhuis. The photographic process itself, like the mass-produced textiles and printed materials depicted, reflects a shift towards industrialization. The girl's dress, with its regular plaid pattern, indicates the rise of textile factories. Before this period, garments were typically handmade, demonstrating unique craftsmanship, whereas here we see industrial production. Even the umbrella, once a luxury item, became more accessible through manufacturing advancements. Similarly, the album represents the increasing popularity and accessibility of photography as a means of documenting life. Consider the labor involved in the production of these items, from factory workers to the photographer himself. This portrait, therefore, offers a glimpse into the changing social landscape, where machine-made goods began to shape everyday experiences. By focusing on the material culture represented, we can gain a deeper understanding of this transformative period, challenging traditional notions of fine art by acknowledging the significance of everyday objects and industrial processes.