Vrouw met hond Fritsje in een park in Amsterdam, de schaduw van de fotograaf is op de voorgrond zichtbaar 1899

Gerard Aalbersberg took this photograph of a woman with her dog in an Amsterdam park, likely in February 1899. The sepia print, though small, speaks volumes about the era's photographic processes. Photography in the late 19th century was a complex blend of chemistry and optics. Each print required meticulous preparation of glass plates, careful exposure, and precise development techniques. The sepia tone, achieved through a chemical process, wasn't just aesthetic, it enhanced the image's archival stability. This image captures a slice of bourgeois life, the woman's attire and leisurely stroll hinting at a certain social standing afforded by the growth of industrial capitalism. Note the photographer's shadow, intruding on the scene, reminding us of the labor and perspective involved in its making. Aalbersberg’s choice of subject and his technical skill elevate this photograph beyond a mere snapshot. It offers a glimpse into a specific time and place, shaped by both social norms and technological advancements.