Portret van een jonge vrouw 1865 - 1903

This is a photograph, made by De Lavieter & Co., showing a portrait of a young woman. As a photographic print, it's a fascinating artifact of a rapidly changing world. Consider the making: glass plate negatives, meticulous darkroom processes, the labor of skilled technicians. It all adds up to an industry that, in its time, was as revolutionary as digital photography is today. The smooth surface of the print, achieved through careful chemical processing, presents a contrast to the ephemeral nature of human existence. The tones range from warm sepia to cool grays, a palette dictated by the materials used and the artist's choices in the darkroom. There's a profound connection between photography, labor, and social change. Each photograph represents not just an image, but a moment captured and materialized through layers of technical expertise and human effort. By understanding the materiality of photography, we gain insights into the complex web of technology, labor, and social forces that shape our world.