Portret van een zittend meisje 1880 - 1905

This small photographic print, made by Herman Salzwedel, captures a seated girl. While the date of its making is unknown, the photographic process itself is deeply rooted in both science and society. Photography in its early days was a labor-intensive endeavor. Each print required careful preparation of the photographic plate, precise timing during exposure, and meticulous development in the darkroom. This image, like others from the time, relied on the skilled labor and technical expertise of professional photographers, who democratized portraiture, making it available to a wider range of social classes. The chair, a prop to elevate the sitter, is a great example of the period's design, with its intricate carving and plush upholstery. It reminds us of the broader context of material culture and consumption in which this image was created. Photographs like this one remind us to value the artistry, labor, and social context embedded within the image, challenging traditional notions of fine art.