Portret van een onbekend bruidspaar c. 1887 - 1900

This photograph of an unknown bridal couple was made by the Atelier Elvira. Wedding photography as an industry emerged in the 19th century, along with the rise of the middle classes. A wedding was a demonstration of social status, and photography became a way of recording and publicizing this. This portrait is more than just a record of a special day. The couple's attire, the careful posing, and the studio setting, complete with props like the bench and the fan, all reflect the conventions of bourgeois respectability. Atelier Elvira itself is an interesting example of institutional history. It was founded in Munich in 1887 by two women, Anita Augspurg and Sophia Goudstikker, and became known for its unconventional approach to portraiture, often challenging traditional gender roles. Analyzing images like this allows us to uncover the social codes and power dynamics of the past. By researching photographic studios, fashion trends, and social customs of the time, we can better understand the complex interplay between art, society, and individual identity.