Portret van een zittende jonge vrouw 1860 - 1880

This small portrait of a seated young woman was made by Lorjé en Co using photographic processes. The image itself is subtle, capturing the sitter's likeness in tones of sepia. But the support is equally important. Photographs like these were often presented as treasured mementos. The oval frame is printed onto card, along with linear decoration. A paper slip below would have allowed for a handwritten inscription. This combination of industrial printing and the photographer's work offers a powerful insight into the rise of mass media, and the desire for personalized objects. Photography democratized portraiture, making images more accessible, and driving down the cost of traditional painted miniatures. The result is a fascinating convergence of technological innovation and the enduring human impulse to remember and represent. By considering the material qualities of this photograph, we gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural context in which it was created and consumed.