Portret van een vrouw bij een hek 1881 - 1904

This portrait of a woman by Brainich & Leusink is a small photographic print, likely dating from the late 19th century, mounted on card stock. The photographic process itself is crucial here. In this era, photography was becoming increasingly accessible, moving from a highly specialized, alchemical endeavor to a more democratized practice. This image would have been produced through a combination of technical skill and industrial manufacturing. The glass plate negative, the chemical solutions, and the printing process all relied on standardized production. The final presentation of the image – mounted on decorative card - speaks to the rise of consumer culture, and the desire to possess and display images of loved ones. This was a departure from unique, hand-made portraits, indicative of changing social values, and marking a shift from bespoke craft to mass-produced objects. Understanding this transition is key to appreciating the image's historical context.