Portret van een meisje, staand bij een kruk 1892 - 1906

Machiel Hendricus Laddé made this portrait using the silver gelatin process, a popular photographic method at the time. The choice of black and white silver gelatin prints would have been driven by its affordability and reproducibility, reflecting the increasing democratization of portraiture during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The material's capacity to capture fine detail allowed for a clear representation of the girl's clothing and accessories, demonstrating the sitter's social standing. It also highlights the sharp textures against the smooth backdrop. The labor involved in creating such a photograph, from setting up the shot to darkroom processing, speaks to the growing profession of photography and its role in shaping social identities. Considering the materials, making, and social context of this portrait, we gain insight into the era's values, as well as the artistic choices that elevated photography from a mere recording tool to a significant form of cultural expression.