Portret van een jonge vrouw met opgestoken haar, een halssieraad en een jas met brede revers 1888 - 1905

H.J. Tollens made this portrait photograph of a young woman with raised hair, a necklace and a jacket with wide lapels using photographic paper. The photograph encapsulates a pivotal moment in the history of portraiture as it transitioned from exclusive painted commissions to more accessible photographic prints. Made in the late 19th century in the Netherlands, this image reflects the evolving role of women in society. The subject's formal attire and composed demeanor speak to the increasing emphasis on respectability within the emerging middle class. The popularity of photography democratized portraiture, allowing individuals from various social strata to participate in self-representation and construct their public identities. Historians use studio records, fashion archives, and social histories to contextualize images like this one. By examining the material culture and social norms of the time, we can better understand how photography shaped and reflected the aspirations and values of Dutch society.