Portret van een meisje, zittend op een tafel met haar voeten op een stoel 1867 - 1875

Editor: Here we have Carl Wigand's gelatin silver print, "Portret van een meisje, zittend op een tafel met haar voeten op een stoel", dating from between 1867 and 1875. The girl's pose is very informal for a portrait, almost rebellious. What do you make of this in terms of its historical context? Curator: That informality is exactly what catches my eye. In the context of 19th-century portraiture, traditionally a very posed and staged affair for the upper classes, this casualness hints at a shift in social attitudes. Photography was becoming more accessible, leading to less rigid portrayals. Editor: So, are you saying that the rise of photography democratized portraiture a little? Curator: Precisely! Before, portraits were largely confined to the wealthy elite who could afford painted commissions, solidifying their status. Photography allowed a broader segment of society to participate in this form of visual representation. But look closely at the details of the table and the girl's boots. Editor: The table looks pretty fancy, and those are some serious boots. Is this a case of appearing relatable but still signaling status? Curator: Good eye. The clothing and props could be signifiers of a certain social standing being consciously presented, even within this more "relaxed" pose. What does that say about the evolving role of photography in constructing social identities at the time? Editor: That's fascinating; I never thought about photography having that sort of power back then. I guess I see how a seemingly casual portrait is anything but, when we think about its social implications. Curator: Exactly, seeing beyond the surface opens up richer historical understanding.