Studioportret van een vrouw met opgestoken haar c. 1863 - 1866

J.H. v.d. Heijden created this studio portrait of a woman with her hair up, using photography. Studio portraits like this one capture a moment of self-presentation, especially for women. The woman’s formal attire and carefully arranged hair speak to the societal expectations placed on women. Yet, there's a quiet strength in her gaze. What does it mean to be seen and to present oneself in a way that balances personal identity with societal expectations? This photograph provides a glimpse into the negotiation of identity within the confines of 19th-century gender norms. It invites us to reflect on the historical constraints and the personal choices made in shaping one's image.