Portret van een staande vrouw bij een stoel 1859 - 1865

This portrait of a standing woman by Girot is an albumen print, a popular photographic process in the mid-19th century. The image presents a woman in formal attire, leaning on an ornate chair. The choice of clothing and the setting itself speak volumes about the sitter’s social standing and the conventions of the time. Made in Europe, most likely France, this type of portrait served as a means of documenting and displaying social status. The subject's reserved demeanor, as well as the meticulously arranged composition, reflect the values and norms of the middle and upper classes of the era. To truly understand this photograph, we can look to sources such as fashion plates, etiquette manuals, and social histories. These resources can provide insights into the codes and conventions that shaped the production and reception of images like this, reminding us that the meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.