Portret van een onbekende vrouw 1892 - 1906

This photograph of an unknown woman was produced by Jac. Schotel Szn. in Rotterdam, using the carte de visite format. Let’s think about the material reality of this object. It’s a paper print, carefully mounted on card stock. The sepia tones are created through chemical processes, a now-antiquated technology that nonetheless democratized image-making in its day. This small portrait would have been relatively inexpensive to produce, and that's key. Photography in this period wasn't just for the wealthy; it was becoming accessible to a broader public. The rise of commercial photography studios reflects changing social dynamics, where portraiture was no longer the exclusive domain of the painted elite. Instead, it offered a tangible way for ordinary people to participate in visual culture and represent themselves. The amount of labor and resources poured into the production process highlights how photography was changing the landscape of both art and industry. Ultimately, viewing this carte de visite, we must acknowledge the immense social impact of photography, bridging the gap between fine art and everyday life.