Portret van een staand meisje bij een piëdestal 1864 - 1879

Leonard de Koningh created this albumen print of a standing girl by a pedestal sometime in the 19th century in the Netherlands. This portrait reflects the rising popularity of photography as a means of capturing and displaying social status during this time. Notice the girl's dress: it signifies wealth, a stark contrast with the era's widespread poverty. The pedestal suggests education and refinement, hallmarks of middle-class aspirations. De Koningh, like many photographers of his time, catered to this social desire, creating images that reinforced societal norms and class distinctions. We must consider the institutional framework that gave rise to this photograph. Photography studios emerged as commercial enterprises, shaping visual culture by democratizing portraiture and playing a role in constructing social identities. To fully understand this artwork, we could consult archival records, social histories, and photographic journals to learn more about the cultural values that shaped its creation and reception.