Portret van een vrouw met waaier 1861 - 1868

Hector de Saedeler made this photograph with chemical processes to create a portrait of a woman with a fan. This photographic technique involves careful control of light, exposure, and development to capture the tonal range and details of the subject, as well as the materials in the room. The sepia tone of the photograph lends a classic feel, highlighting the textures of her layered dress. The process gives the image a soft, almost dreamlike quality, especially when compared to the sharp resolution of contemporary digital photography. In this image, the woman leans on a table, posing casually, yet is clearly meant for display. Photography was part of a larger shift in how people consumed images and information, connecting to social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. Photography in the 19th century democratized portraiture, making it accessible to a wider audience. The photograph isn't just an image; it reflects the aspirations and social dynamics of its time.