Emma Kirchner facts for kids

Self-portrait of Emma Kirchner on her business card (taken between 1863 and 1871)

Emma Kirchner (born Johanna Frederika Doris Emma Kirchner; 1830–1909) was a German photographer. She lived and worked in the Netherlands. Emma was the first professional woman photographer in Delft. She was the only one for over 30 years.

Early Life in Leipzig

Emma Kirchner was born in Leipzig, Germany, on March 30, 1830. Her father was a tailor. Her mother continued the family tailor shop after her father passed away. The family moved homes in Leipzig.

When Emma was 22, she had a daughter named Doris.

How Emma Kirchner Learned Photography

Emma Kirchner around age 25 (in 1855). Photographer: Bertha Wehnert-Beckmann

Emma Kirchner grew up near early photography studios in Leipzig. This likely influenced her. In 1839, Louis Daguerre shared his new photo process, the daguerreotype. People in Leipzig quickly started using it.

A famous woman photographer, Bertha Wehnert-Beckmann, had a studio nearby. She was one of Europe's first professional women photographers. Bertha ran her own successful studio. Many people believe Emma learned photography from Bertha. There is no clear proof, but it is a strong idea.

Emma likely learned how to take photos and how to run a business during this time. When she moved to the Netherlands, she said her job was "photographer." She opened her own studio soon after.

Women's Rights and Photography

In Leipzig, a writer named Louise Otto-Peters worked for women's rights. She published a newspaper for women. She wrote a book about a single working woman who trained with a photographer. This shows that photography was seen as a possible job for women.

Working in the Netherlands

In 1860, Emma's sister Maria moved to Delft, Netherlands. Emma and her mother joined her in 1863. Emma told the local official that she was a photographer.

Soon after, Emma and her brother-in-law, Frederik Gräfe, opened a photo studio. It was called E. Kirchner & Co. Their business cards showed different addresses over time. This was likely due to changes at the studio.

New Business Partners

In 1871, Emma and Frederik stopped working together. Frederik continued as a photographer on the same street.

In 1875, Emma started a new business with Henri de Louw. Henri married Emma's daughter, Doris, that same year. Emma had hired him as an apprentice a few years before. Their studio offered new things like vitreous enamel portraits. They also made bigger versions of visiting card photos. After about a year, they separated. Henri opened his own studio.

Emma's Retirement

Emma Kirchner continued to run her own studio. She was the only professional woman photographer in Delft for many years. She retired in May 1899 at age 69. She sold her studio to Johannes van Doorne. He had worked as her assistant.

After retiring, Emma moved to The Hague to be with her daughter's family. Later, she moved with her daughter to Amsterdam. She spent her last years with her granddaughter's family.

Emma Kirchner passed away on February 10, 1909, at 78 years old.

Emma Kirchner's Work

The Delft Municipal Archives has many photos by Emma Kirchner. They say she was a "talented portraitist." Her photos are known for their artistic look.

She took many different kinds of photos:

• Daguerreotypes and other Photographs.
• Portraits of ladies, gentlemen, children, and families.
• Photos of people working, especially women.

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  Orphans at the Orphanage, around 1880

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  Portrait of a student from Delft, around 1873

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  Portrait of a Man, c. 1863-1899

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  Death portrait of a child on a cushion, late 19th century

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  Portrait of Catharina Johanna Kikkert (1846-1886) with two children

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  Back of portrait of Catharina Johanna Kikkert (1846-1886) with two children