Portret van een onbekende jonge vrouw 1870 - 1885

J. Ebbenhorst & Zoon made this portrait of an unknown young woman, probably in the Netherlands, using photography. This photographic carte-de-visite was a popular format for portraiture in the mid-19th century. Photography studios like Ebbenhorst & Zoon democratized access to portraiture, previously a privilege of the wealthy who could afford painted portraits. The rise of photography coincided with evolving social norms around representation, identity and the increased visibility of the middle class. This young woman’s attire and demeanor reflect the conservative values of the time. The photograph itself embodies a tension between art and commerce, personal expression and social expectation. To fully understand the context of this image, one could consult photographic archives, social histories, and genealogical records. By situating this portrait within its historical and cultural context, we can gain insight into the lives and values of people in the past.