Portret van Katharina Marie Louise Possibly 1915 - 1916

This portrait of Katharina Marie Louise was made with an automatic photo machine, probably in the United States, although the exact date is unknown. The American Automatic Photo Cy. speaks to the rise of accessible photography and how it democratized portraiture. Before this, portraits were the domain of the wealthy, reinforcing social hierarchies. The hat and simple attire suggest a middle-class background, highlighting how new technologies allowed for broader self-representation. The very existence of such a company points to profound shifts in both technology and social practices. To understand this image fully, we might delve into the history of photography studios, the evolution of consumer culture, and the changing roles of women in the early 20th century. Each detail invites us to consider the social conditions that shaped its production and reception.