Portret van een vrouw met een strik c. 1866 - 1900

Johan Christiaan Reesinck captured this photographic portrait of a woman with a bow, sometime during his career which spanned the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The portrait gives us a glimpse into the rigid gender roles and expectations of the time. The woman is dressed in what appears to be a tailored jacket, but the large bow at her neck softens the look, hinting at the era's prescribed femininity. Her gaze is direct, yet there is a subtle hint of melancholy in her eyes. This could reflect the limited opportunities afforded to women during this period. Reesinck was born in the Netherlands during a time of significant social change, including early feminist movements advocating for women's rights and equality. What does this image say about the subject’s personal identity? Does the bow soften an otherwise masculine look? The portrait invites us to consider the complex interplay between societal expectations, personal identity, and the silent narratives held within historical images.