Portret van een vrouw met muts 1864 - 1893

Abraham Koorenhoff made this portrait of a woman with a bonnet, using photography. During the mid-19th century, photography democratized portraiture. Before this time, painted portraits were exclusive to the wealthy. The rise of photography meant the middle class could have their likeness captured, fueling the growth of commercial photography studios. This particular photo, in its small size and placement in an album, hints at its function as a memento, a personal keepsake within a family’s collection. Consider the sitter's attire, particularly her bonnet and lace shawl. These details speak volumes about the cultural norms and expectations of women in that era. Her modest dress reflects the values of the time. By studying photographs like this, alongside other historical records such as census data, fashion plates, and personal letters, we gain a richer understanding of the social and cultural context in which the photograph was produced, and what it meant to those who cherished it.