Portret van een onbekende jonge vrouw 1870 - 1881

This is a photograph by Coenraad Cornelis Roskam, a portrait of an unknown young woman. This carte-de-visite, made from paper and photographic chemicals, was one of the most popular formats of the 19th century. The carte-de-visite emerged from the industrialization of photography, which allowed for mass production. The process involved using a camera with multiple lenses to capture several images on a single glass plate negative. This negative could then be used to print multiple copies. This division of labor, with specialized roles for photographers, printers, and colorists, made photography more accessible and affordable. The material qualities of this portrait—its small size, sepia tones, and crisp detail—speak to the broader social and economic context of the time. The rise of photography democratized portraiture, making it available to a wider segment of society. Looking at this photograph, we are reminded of the power of images to capture a moment in time and reflect the social values and material conditions of its creation. The photographic process made this once expensive art form accessible, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and everyday craft.