Groepsportret van drie onbekende vrouwen 1892 - 1906

This photographic portrait of three unknown women was created by Machiel Hendricus Laddé in Amsterdam. The image is a silver gelatin print, a process that democratized photography in the late 19th century. The photograph's sepia tones resulted from chemical development, fixing the image on paper treated with light-sensitive silver salts. It's a process rooted in chemistry and mass production, making portraiture accessible beyond the elite. The sharpness and detail, though limited by today's standards, were revolutionary. Consider the labor involved: from mining silver to manufacturing paper, to the photographer's skill in posing and developing. The women’s clothing is manufactured, highlighting the rise of consumer culture. The photograph becomes a material record of social change, capturing a moment of transition towards industrialization and new forms of representation. It is a perfect example of how the seemingly simple act of taking a picture is deeply embedded in social and economic forces.