Studioportret van Charlotte Matthes-Doorman c. 1890 - 1895

This is a photograph of Charlotte Matthes-Doorman, made by Koene & Büttinghausen. The ruffled lace of Charlotte’s dress, combined with her pearl earrings, evoke an aura of delicate femininity. This recalls the elaborate garments worn by women depicted in Renaissance portraits. Consider, for instance, Botticelli’s Venus; her garments, like Charlotte’s lace, symbolize purity and virtue, yet both are also undeniably sensual, revealing as much as they conceal. This tension between virtue and sensuality is a recurring theme throughout art history. Even in ancient depictions of goddesses, we see this interplay—a negotiation between sacred and profane. The ruffles, the pearls, the very act of portraiture—all contribute to a layered narrative, drawing on centuries of cultural memory. Each element engages with our collective subconscious, reminding us of the cyclical nature of symbols and their enduring power.