Portret van een onbekende vrouw 1860 - 1875

This is a portrait of an unknown woman, made with photography by H. Soulie. The photographic print, made from a glass negative, speaks volumes about industrial processes. Photography democratized image-making, moving it away from the elite circles of painting and drawing. It relies on skilled labor, of course. But it also involves repeatable processes, manufactured materials, and a business model that drove down prices. This image, mass-produced through the capitalist system, marks a shift towards accessible portraiture. The photograph’s texture, weight, and subtle tonal range contribute to its aura. The subject’s pose and attire are frozen in time, creating a tangible connection to the past, and illustrating the intertwined histories of artistic expression, industrial production, and social change.