Portret van een staande vrouw met hoge hoed met bloemen, waaier en overrok 1886

This small portrait of a standing woman with a high hat, fan, and overskirt was created by J. Oses. Though we don’t know precisely when it was made, the details of her clothing suggest it was sometime in the late nineteenth century. This was a time of significant social change, particularly for women. As they began to participate more in the public sphere, their fashion became a way to express their identity and status. The woman’s elaborate hat, adorned with flowers, and her carefully chosen attire speak to her social standing and the importance of appearance in that era. However, the portrait also hints at the constraints placed on women. The tight corset and formal pose reflect the expectations of female decorum. In viewing this photograph, we can reflect on the complex interplay between personal expression and social expectations that continue to shape our identities today.