Portret van een jonge vrouw 1880 - 1906

This is a portrait of a young woman by W.G. Kuijer & Zonen. Although undated, the photographic style suggests it was made in the Netherlands towards the end of the 19th century. During this time photography studios emerged as important sites of cultural production. As photography became more accessible to the middle classes it changed the dynamics of portraiture. Now, individuals could actively participate in shaping their public image, influencing how they were seen by society and how they would be remembered. The woman's clothing and hairstyle offer clues about the social conventions of the time. Her modest attire reflects the values placed on decorum and social propriety. To understand this image better, we might consider the development of photography as a technology, the social history of portraiture, and the changing role of women in Dutch society at the time. These are the kinds of resources that we might consult to understand the contingent meanings of art.