Portret van Grietje Kelderman 1890 - 1910

This is an undated photograph of Grietje Kelderman, created by an anonymous photographer. Though undated, the dress, hairstyle and sepia tone point to the late 19th century. In many ways, photography democratized portraiture. No longer the sole preserve of the wealthy, people of many social classes could now have their likeness captured, and photography studios sprung up in towns and cities across Europe and the United States. But photography also brought its own social codes. This is not a candid snapshot, but a carefully posed image, intended to present the sitter in a particular light. Grietje Kelderman looks directly at the viewer, and the photograph creates a sense of intimacy. Further research into Dutch photographic studios might shed light on the kind of audience that this photograph was intended for. Family photographs can tell us a lot about changing social mores.