Portret van een meisje, aangeduid als Leen Niehof 1867 - 1885

This small portrait of a girl, possibly named Leen Niehof, was made by Christiaan Martinus Jan Hermelink, likely in the late 19th century. It’s a photograph, a process that was still relatively new at the time. Photography transformed portraiture. Before, painted portraits were luxuries for the wealthy. Photography democratized the form, making it accessible to a wider range of people. This little picture speaks to that shift. Note the subtle sepia tones, achieved through chemical processes. Light-sensitive materials capture the image, but human intervention is still key. The photographer carefully controls the exposure and development to create the final product. It’s a blend of technology and craft. Looking at this image, we can appreciate how new technologies reshaped social practices and art. It’s not just a picture of a girl; it’s a glimpse into a changing world.