Portret van een vrouw 1860 - 1900

This is a portrait of a woman, made by I. Whaley, using photographic methods. The image’s sepia tone is a direct result of the chemical processes involved in early photography, during which the silver particles in the print react to create this distinctive hue. The final print is a material document of light, chemistry, and time. The woman’s attire, with its elaborate lace cuffs, velvet fabric, and jewelry, tells us much about the sitter's social standing and economic means. These textiles and ornaments would have been produced by skilled laborers. This portrait is thus not just an image of one individual, but also a material record of the complex systems of labor and consumption of the time. Considering the materials and processes behind this photograph deepens our understanding of its meaning and the broader cultural context in which it was made.