Portret van Charlotte Asser c. 1853

This photograph shows Charlotte Asser, captured by her father, Eduard Isaac Asser, a Dutch lawyer and pioneer in photography. Eduard, a distinguished figure in law, also explored the emerging world of photography, turning the camera towards his daughter. In the portrait, Charlotte sits formally, draped in fabric, with a stoic expression. There is a sculpture on the background depicting two children. This could be a commentary on the roles and expectations placed upon women during the 19th century, caught between domesticity and a desire for self-expression. What does it mean for a father to capture his daughter's image during an era of rapid technological advancement? It invites us to reflect on the complexities of family, identity, and representation during a transformative period in history. How do we see Charlotte: as a daughter, a woman, or a subject in her father’s artistic exploration?