Portret van een onbekende vrouw met wit kapje c. 1870 - 1900

This is K. Göhrmann's small portrait of an unknown woman with a white cap. The artist has created a tonal range using small delicate marks and tiny pin prick dots, which draw the eye into the face. The subject is framed by a square of contrasting dark space which further highlights the delicate rendering of her face and white head covering. The composition is carefully structured to draw focus to the interplay between light and shadow, surface and depth. Göhrmann uses the semiotic system of clothing to tell us about the sitter. The simple white head covering has connotations of purity and is set against the dark fur of her outer garment. Here we may consider binary oppositions that define her position and perhaps her virtue. The subject's gaze is both direct and enigmatic which challenges established ideas of representation. Her calm expression invites ongoing interpretation, where Göhrmann’s formal skill lies in leaving a lasting impression on the viewer.