Portret van een staande vrouw met wandelstok 1860 - 1900

This is a photographic portrait of a woman with a walking stick, created by O.C. Smith, using the wet collodion process. This photographic technique involved coating a glass plate with light-sensitive chemicals, exposing it in a camera, and developing it immediately. The material reality of this photograph – the glass plate, the chemical emulsion, the darkroom – influenced its final appearance. The sharp focus and tonal range capture the sitter's likeness, her sombre dress and the ornate studio setting, all meant to convey an impression of the subject’s social standing. Photography in the 19th century was as much about chemistry and optics as it was about artistry, demanding expertise and a meticulous approach. In its time, photography was considered a craft, relying heavily on the photographer's skill in manipulating materials and processes. This recognition underscores the value of understanding the intersection of materials, making, and context in appreciating the photograph's full meaning, bridging the gap between technology and art.