madegruppenporträts

Madegruppenporträts, or "made group portraits," is a German term that refers to a style of group portraiture particularly prevalent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These portraits typically depicted members of a specific group, such as a family, a club, a professional association, or a community organization. The term "made" in this context signifies that the portrait was intentionally arranged and posed, rather than being a spontaneous snapshot.

The emphasis in madegruppenporträts was often on conveying a sense of unity, status, and collective identity. Subjects were usually formally dressed and arranged in a structured composition, often with a clear hierarchy indicated by their placement within the frame. The setting might be an interior that reflected the group's activities or social standing, or a more neutral studio background. Photographers aimed to capture each individual clearly while also presenting a cohesive whole. These portraits served as important historical documents, preserving the likenesses and associations of individuals for posterity. They are valuable for understanding social structures, fashion, and the cultural norms of the period in which they were created.