Portret van Liefke Bruins 1855 - 1885

This photograph is a portrait of Liefke Bruins, made by Georg Rudloff in Hanover, Germany. This photographic print allows us to consider the rise of photography as an increasingly accessible tool for portraiture in the late 19th century, challenging the dominance of painted portraits among the upper classes. Consider the sitter's attire and pose, indicative of middle-class social status. Note the studio setting, complete with neoclassical column and potted plants, intended to evoke an aura of sophistication. The photographer’s name is prominently displayed, suggesting the growing recognition of the photographer as an artist and entrepreneur. This photograph captures a moment in the democratization of portraiture, reflecting broader shifts in German society. To understand the social context of this photograph further, one might explore archival sources such as city directories and photographic studio records. Such investigation allows us to appreciate how art is always contingent on the social and institutional conditions of its making.