Portret van een onbekende jonge vrouw gekleed in klederdracht van Amsterdam, Noord-Holland 1860 - 1890

Andries Jager created this hand-colored photograph of an unknown young woman in Amsterdam, during a time when the city was rapidly modernizing, yet held onto its distinctive cultural symbols. The young woman’s traditional clothing immediately signifies her connection to Amsterdam's unique identity. The photograph itself, hand-colored, offers a blend of modern technology and traditional artistic practices. It reflects a society grappling with change while also preserving its heritage. Amsterdam in this period was experiencing economic growth and social stratification. The clothing might indicate the woman’s social status or role within the community. Photography studios like Jager's democratized portraiture, making images accessible to a wider public. Understanding this image requires us to explore archives of Dutch social history, fashion, and photographic practices. By understanding the contingent social conditions, we can interpret its meaning as something more than just an individual portrait.