Portret van een vrouw in een bolero, staand 1850 - 1872

Editor: So, this gelatin-silver print, "Portret van een vrouw in een bolero, staand", by Johannes Baer, dates back to sometime between 1850 and 1872. What strikes me immediately is its quiet dignity; the woman's posture is so poised. What do you make of this portrait? Curator: Quiet dignity, yes, but there's a hidden narrative, isn't there? This image whispers tales of the burgeoning middle class, their aspirations captured in these new photographic technologies. I wonder about her bolero… A touch exotic, perhaps? Meant to convey sophistication? And, did you notice how carefully she's posed next to the faux-classical column? Are we meant to read something into that? Editor: Faux-classical… So, you’re suggesting it's all a constructed image, carefully planned to project a certain image? It's interesting how artificial everything looks now, but back then it was probably considered very fashionable and high class. Curator: Exactly! And I think it's lovely in how forthrightly it creates that sense of fashionable distinction. But that’s photography, isn’t it? Staging reality to create a lasting impression. She has lovely kind eyes. I bet she picked out the vine herself, knowing it would compliment her clothing! Editor: You know, it's easy to forget how new photography was then, a real marvel. I find your interpretation eye-opening. Now I want to find out more about Johannes Baer himself! Curator: Absolutely! Think of the sitter when considering Johannes. How do they each see each other? What are their hopes and expectations? It changes how you see it, I find.