Portret van een vrouw c. 1876

This photograph, "Portret van een vrouw", was made by Alexandre & Cie, though the date remains unknown. The image presents us with more than just a face; it offers a glimpse into the social fabric of its time. Likely taken in the late 19th century, during a boom in commercial photography, it reflects a growing middle class with the means to participate in visual culture. The woman's attire and the formal composition speak volumes. Her modest yet elegant clothing, along with the carefully arranged pose, suggest a desire for respectability and social standing. Such portraits were often commissioned to document family lineages, or perhaps to mark significant life events. As historians, we might delve into photographic archives, fashion history, and social registers to uncover more about the sitter’s identity and the photograph's original purpose. The meaning of this image is thus deeply embedded in the social and institutional contexts of its creation and use.