Portret van een vrouw in witte jurk 1882 - 1901

This is a portrait photograph of a woman in a white dress, made by Wilhelm Ivens, who was active in the late 19th century. Photography at this time was becoming increasingly accessible to the middle classes in Europe, offering new ways to record and represent themselves. Consider how this image operates within a specific cultural context. In this era, the photographic portrait became a powerful tool for constructing and reinforcing social identities, reflecting the sitter’s status and aspirations. The woman's attire and composed demeanor suggest a certain level of social standing, while the very act of commissioning a portrait speaks to the growing importance of visual representation in solidifying class distinctions. To fully understand such an image, we might consult period magazines, etiquette guides, and social histories. The meaning of this artwork lies not just in its aesthetic qualities but also in its complex relationship to the society that produced it.