Portret van een vrouw 1891

This portrait of a woman was made by Michel Berthaud, using photographic techniques typical of the late 19th century. The photograph itself is a silver gelatin print, a process that allowed for mass production of images, making portraiture more accessible than traditional painted portraits. Notice the subtle tonal range achieved through chemical processes. The subject's clothing and hair are rendered in delicate detail, showcasing the technology's capacity to capture texture. The mount, with its embossed border, adds to the overall presentation, reflecting the social conventions of the time. Photography in this era was deeply intertwined with industrial advancements and consumer culture. The rise of photography studios provided new forms of employment, and allowed for a democratization of portraiture. This seemingly simple image, therefore, speaks volumes about the changing social and economic landscape of the late 19th century. It blurs the lines between art, craft, and industry.