Portret van twee onbekende vrouwen in Friese klederdracht c. 1890 - 1910

This is a portrait of two unknown women in Friesland, likely made in the late 19th century by Idanus Hendrikus Slaterus, a photographer based in Leeuwarden. The women are dressed in traditional Frisian costume, which in its details signifies their local origin, status, and religious affiliation. Photography in this period was a relatively new technology, and portrait studios flourished as a means of producing affordable likenesses of people from all walks of life. This image can be read in light of the growing interest in regional and national identity, as well as the rise of consumer culture and the expansion of the public sphere. In this context, we can ask: how do the women want to be seen, and what are the social and cultural forces that shape their self-presentation? To answer such questions, scholars consult a wide range of sources, including costume books, local histories, and census records. By situating the image in its social and institutional context, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex meanings it conveys.