Portret van een zittende vrouw 1872 - 1886

This portrait of a seated woman was made by Jean Günther, who was active around the turn of the 20th century. It is a photograph, likely an albumen print, a process popular in the 19th century for its sharp detail and tonal range. The image is more than just a record; it’s a carefully constructed object. Consider the way the subject is posed, her hand delicately placed, her gaze direct. Her clothing, too, speaks volumes – the fabric's sheen, the lace collar, the decorative elements. It indicates a certain social standing, a degree of affluence. The very act of commissioning a portrait was a statement, a way of preserving one's image for posterity. Photography in this period was still a relatively specialized skill, involving technical expertise and access to equipment and materials. So, the photograph is both a portrait and an artifact of social and technological history.