Portret van een staand meisje 1860 - 1890

This portrait of a standing girl, by Rovira, is a photograph, likely made with the gelatin silver process which became dominant in the late 19th century. The photograph's sepia tone and small size suggest a carte-de-visite, a format popular for its affordability and collectibility. Consider the socio-economic context: photography's rise coincided with industrialization and a growing middle class. These small portraits democratized image-making, bringing it within reach of those who could not afford painted portraits. The process itself, while requiring specialized knowledge, became increasingly streamlined, reflecting the era's focus on efficiency. The girl's formal attire and the studio setting – complete with draped fabric and patterned carpet – speak to a desire for upward mobility. Each element, from the emulsion on the photographic plate to the girl’s carefully chosen garments, embodies a complex interplay of technology, labor, and social aspiration. By attending to these material details, we gain a deeper understanding of this small photograph as a cultural artifact.