Portret van een vrouw met halsketting 1857 - 1894

This portrait of a woman with a necklace was created by P. Siewers & Zoon using photographic processes. This small-scale photograph is mounted onto card stock. The sepia tones are due to the chemical reactions of early photographic processes; the image was built up through careful manipulations of light and developing agents, requiring technical skill to control. The woman’s jewelry and attire give us insight into the social norms and economic status of the sitter, while the photographer offers us a glimpse into the burgeoning industry of image production and portraiture. In the 19th century, photography democratized image-making, moving portraiture away from the realm of painting, only for the wealthy. This image speaks to the changing landscape of labor, production, and consumption. Understanding the materials and techniques reveals the history embedded within this seemingly simple portrait, bridging the gap between artistic expression and social documentation.