Portret van een staande vrouw met hoed in de hand 1854 - 1875

This albumen print of a standing woman with a hat was produced by The London School of Photography at an unknown date. The woman's attire, from her elaborate dress to the hat she holds, speaks volumes about the social and economic conditions of Victorian England. Photography in this era was rapidly evolving, yet portraiture remained a privilege of the middle and upper classes. The London School of Photography, as an institution, played a role in shaping photographic practices and aesthetic standards. What visual codes can we discern in the woman's posture, dress, and setting? These photographs provide insights into the construction of identity and social status in the Victorian era. Was she part of the rising middle class, eager to display her newfound affluence? Or was she a member of the established elite, reinforcing her position in society? To fully understand this photograph, we could consult historical fashion records, social etiquette manuals, and institutional archives. The meaning of art is contingent on its social and institutional context.