Bertha v. Schendel-Zimmerman c. 1860 - 1915

Willem Witsen made this photograph of Bertha v. Schendel-Zimmerman using gelatin silver print. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, photography became more accessible, yet portraiture remained a formal affair. It tells us a lot about social codes in the Netherlands. There was still an expectation of formality in the presence of a camera. This image reflects the period's social emphasis on family and motherhood, presenting a composed image of a mother and child. Photographs like this can offer historians insights into the daily lives and social structures of the time. We can research the history of photography, the development of gelatin silver printing, and the cultural significance of family portraiture. We can consider how the rise of photography democratized portraiture and how it challenged the established role of painting. These resources allow a deeper understanding of the image's place within its historical context.