Portret van een zittende vrouw 1857 - 1864

This portrait of a seated woman, a small albumen print, was made by Wegner & Mottu. Encased within an oval frame, the subject's gaze draws us in, but the muted sepia tones and soft focus create a sense of distance. The composition divides neatly: the subject offset against a plain backdrop. Her elaborate shawl and jewelry, rendered in meticulous detail, speak of status and societal expectations. The careful arrangement of light and shadow defines the sitter’s features, yet there's a sense of the performative, as if the woman is acutely aware of being seen and judged. This photograph functions as a signifier of identity and aspiration, reflecting the sitter's place within a complex web of social codes. The portrait captures not just a likeness but also the cultural values of the time.