Portret van een vrouw 1881 - 1891

Eugène Maurice created this portrait of a woman as a small photograph during the 19th century. During this period, photography studios emerged as important institutions of social life. They catered to a growing middle class that sought new ways to represent and solidify their status. The woman's attire and hairstyle reflect the fashion of the time, indicating her social standing and adherence to cultural norms. The formal pose, the deliberate composition, and the framing of the image, all speak to the conventions of portraiture. The photograph creates meaning through visual codes, referencing a tradition of portraiture that was previously exclusive to the upper classes, but now accessible to wider segments of society. Understanding the cultural and economic context in which this photograph was produced allows us to interpret it as more than just a representation of an individual. Instead, we can see it as a document reflecting broader social and cultural shifts. Resources from archives, social histories, and fashion studies can provide further insights into the era and the institutional role of photography.