Portret van een onbekende vrouw 1873 - 1900

This portrait of an unknown woman is held within a brass frame, likely made in the late 19th century. The frame is clearly the star here. Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, is known for its malleability and golden hue. It was likely cast, then carefully bent into shape. Look at the way the metal flows in gentle curves, a hallmark of Art Nouveau style. Notice too the fasteners, which would have been carefully soldered in place. Brass-making was an industrial process, yet the creation of an object like this still required handwork. The portrait itself is a photographic print, a new and increasingly accessible medium at the time. While we don’t know who this woman is, we can appreciate the way that the handmade frame enhances her image. It elevates photography, suggesting the value of crafted objects in an age of mass production. It reminds us that even everyday objects can carry artistic significance.