Portret van een meisje 1861 - 1887

Albert Greiner produced this albumen print portrait of a young woman sometime in the mid-19th century. Photography in the Netherlands was still in its infancy, and portraits like this one reflect the rising bourgeoisie's aspirations and social conventions of the time. The young woman’s attire, hairstyle, and jewelry all signal her social standing, echoing the fashion and ideals promoted by European royalty and aristocracy. While the date of this portrait is unknown, we know it was created during a time when photographic studios were emerging as powerful cultural institutions, dictating not only how people should look but also reinforcing social hierarchies. Historical sources such as fashion plates, social etiquette guides, and studio archives can illuminate the nuanced social meanings embedded in this image. This portrait encourages us to consider how photography helped shape, reflect, and reinforce societal norms.