Portret van een vrouw in witte jurk 1865 - 1880

This photographic portrait was made by Mr. & Mrs. Oswald Allen. The image is small, just 82 by 52mm, yet it speaks volumes about the culture of its time. Photography in the 19th century was a laborious process, requiring skilled technicians and specialized equipment. This collaborative studio, run by a husband and wife, probably specialized in portraiture, catering to a clientele who sought to capture their likeness. The woman in the portrait is dressed in a light-colored dress, likely white, which carries heavy symbolic weight. White dresses were not just a matter of fashion; they were statements of wealth and social standing, requiring teams of laundresses to keep pristine. It also speaks to the burgeoning textile industries of the time, which increasingly catered to a market for elaborate, delicate fabrics. The image, therefore, is as much about the material culture of the time as it is about the individual portrayed. Understanding photography in its original historical context opens our eyes to the relationship between art, labor, and social class.