Groepsportret van vier vrouwen 1890 - 1910

This photograph of four women was taken by Gerardus George Johannes Mathijs Frohn. The photograph’s sepia tones give it an antique feel, and the texture of the photographic paper adds a tactile dimension to the visual experience. You can almost feel the weight and thickness of the card in your hands. The women are wearing traditional dresses and bonnets. Notice the intricate details of the lace and embroidery on their dresses, suggesting skilled handwork. The image captures the women within a specific social context, highlighting the labor and craftsmanship involved in creating their garments. Photography itself, as a mode of production, democratized portraiture, yet the photographer still had a lot of skill. Frohn captures not just their physical appearance but also something about their social identity, the convergence of tradition, labor, and representation. Photography’s influence extended beyond art, impacting journalism, advertising, and everyday life.