Portret van een jonge vrouw 1892 - 1906

Machiel Hendricus Laddé made this portrait of a young woman using photography. Laddé’s work gives us a glimpse into the representation of women during a time of significant social change. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, women were beginning to challenge traditional gender roles, advocating for education, employment, and suffrage. How did this affect representation? This photograph provides a window into the evolving identities of women during this period. The woman's gaze is direct, but the photo's small size also suggests intimacy. The formal attire and carefully styled hair speak to societal expectations, while her subtle expression hints at a quiet strength. Laddé captures her not just as a subject, but as an individual navigating a complex social landscape. Consider how photography, still relatively new, was used to both reinforce and subvert traditional representations. This portrait invites us to reflect on the personal and political dimensions of identity, and the enduring power of images to shape our perceptions.