Portret van een onbekende vrouw 1855 - 1900

Edward M. Estabrooke made this portrait of an unknown woman at an undetermined date using photographic methods. The image is small and the woman's features are not very distinct, which could be a reflection of both the technical limitations of photography at the time and the social conventions regarding portraiture. In the 19th century, portraiture was becoming more accessible to the middle class, and it would be interesting to know if this woman came from the upper or middle classes. The decorative frame around the portrait adds an element of refinement. It would be useful to examine the archives of photographic studios from this period, to get a sense of how they operated and who their clientele were. By studying the social and institutional context in which this portrait was made, we can gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which photography was used to shape and reflect social identities.