Portret van een vrouw, leunend op een boek 1865 - 1868

This portrait, crafted by Kannemans & Zoon, presents us with a woman leaning on a book, a symbol laden with meaning. The book, traditionally an emblem of knowledge and wisdom, extends beyond mere literacy. Here, it represents the sitter's status, intellect, and connection to the world of learning. This motif echoes through history, reappearing in Renaissance paintings and Victorian photography, each time modified by its cultural setting. Note the way she poses with the book, reminiscent of ancient scholars and philosophers immortalized in stone. Consider how the 'book' has evolved - from sacred texts to objects of enlightenment, from emblems of status, to tools for empowerment. The act of leaning in, of seeking support from the book, is emotionally charged, suggestive of a deep psychological connection to knowledge and self-expression. The image resonates with our collective memory, touching on our subconscious longing for knowledge, and perhaps, for an enlightened world.