Here I'd like to show you a professionally made portrait of a young lady, most likely made in Berlin, around 1890 (give or take a few years).
Obviously I didn't make the photo myself, but I digitally restored it after finding it in a attik. It was framed and had significant water damage on 2 sides.
A typical example of professional portrait photography in the 19th century, it show a young woman who has dressed up, had her hair done and was placed in front of a painted backdrop with the instrument, all to pose in a certain role that was fashionable in those days. So, a bit like todays cosplay photography.
It was certainly not cheap to be photographed like that, not something that everybody could afford.
And also not something that the "average Joe" would have done. I'm pretty sure she must have been from a wealthy or even noble family, or may be a artist like a actress or singer. Who knows...
I hope you enjoyed this view into the past, your...