Portret van een staande vrouw in witte japon 1900 - 1910

This albumen print of a woman in a white dress was produced by Busenbender & Co. using photographic processes that had become widely accessible by the late nineteenth century. The very concept of photography is inextricably linked to industrial production. From the glass plates and chemical developers needed to capture an image, to the printing of the final product, the photographer was reliant on external resources. Looking at this picture, we might also consider the sitter's dress as an indicator of these same dynamics. The pleated lines of the gown, and the delicate lace trim, suggest a complex manufacturing process—likely involving garment workers who may or may not have enjoyed the same privileges as the sitter. This image would have been relatively easy and cheap to produce, and to reproduce. So, while we might admire the woman's attire, it’s worth considering the social context that made both her dress, and this portrait, possible.