Portret van een onbekende vrouw, aangeduid als Thyra Stroberg Possibly 1910 - 1927

Ida Johanson created this intimate portrait of an unknown woman, possibly named Thyra Stroberg, using the photographic techniques available at the time. The photograph, with its soft sepia tones and meticulous composition, captures a sense of quiet dignity. The subject stands almost centrally within the frame, creating a balanced, symmetrical composition. This formal arrangement invites contemplation on the sitter's identity and representation. The texture and pattern of her dress and the soft focus lend the photograph an air of timelessness, while the careful arrangement of light and shadow adds depth. The woman's gaze, directed slightly off-center, suggests a narrative beyond the immediate image, engaging with ideas of representation, identity, and the gaze itself. The photograph functions as a signifier, hinting at the cultural codes and social roles of women in the late 19th century, prompting us to question fixed meanings and to engage in re-interpretation.