Portret van Olga Björkegren 1875 - 1885

This photograph of Olga Björkegren was likely made in the late 19th century, using a process that was still relatively new: chemical photography. What’s fascinating is the way this technology democratized portraiture. Before, only the wealthy could afford to have their likeness captured in a painting. Suddenly, anyone could have their picture taken, though the cost of sitting still for the exposure – and the print itself – still made it a relatively exclusive proposition. You can see the signs of that in Olga's dress and bearing. The ruffed collar, the fur hat, the careful arrangement of her hair – all speak to a certain social status. The photograph itself, though a mass-reproducible object, becomes a kind of crafted artifact, documenting not just a person, but also a moment in the history of representation. It is an interesting combination of art and technology, democratisation and exclusivity, when considered within a social context.