Portret van Kate Narrley 1857 - 1889

Samuel Van Grieken made this photograph of Kate Narrley, but the date is unknown. The ambrotype and other early photographic methods were expensive. The sitter would usually be from the upper or middle classes. During the Victorian era, portraiture became more democratic. The carte-de-visite, a small photograph mounted on card, became incredibly popular. Sold cheaply and traded amongst friends and family, these cards created a culture of celebrity, both public and private. Photographic studios popped up everywhere. Like any business, they reflected the politics of their time. Many studios were owned and operated by women, and they also employed women as photographers and assistants, providing new opportunities in a rapidly changing society. Examining photography like this, you can reflect on how it both reflected and shaped social structures. If you want to understand this image better, you could investigate its provenance and uncover more about the sitter and the photographer.