Portret van een staande vrouw met hoed en mof 1883 - 1914

This is an undated photographic portrait by Lambert Weston, showcasing a woman with a hat and muff, mounted on card. The photograph itself would have involved careful manipulation of light and chemicals, a blend of technical knowledge and artistic sensibility. Yet, let’s consider the materials beyond the image, like the muff, hat, and even the woman’s tailored outfit. These weren't just possessions; they were carefully considered, material expressions of status and identity. Consider also the mount: the way the photograph is presented with the frame with delicate gold tooling, all point to the importance of this image as a keepsake, a treasure, and an expression of status. Examining this portrait through its materials and mode of production gives us a richer understanding, transcending traditional distinctions between art, craft, and social history.