Jeanette Antoinette Pietermaat (1818-70). Echtgenote van Pieter Mijer 1876

Johan Heinrich Neuman painted this portrait of Jeanette Antoinette Pietermaat, the wife of Pieter Mijer, in the 19th century. Portraits of women during this era often served to define their status and roles within society, and they offer a window into the expectations placed upon women of the time. Jeanette is depicted with a certain reserve, her dark clothing and understated jewelry hinting at a life of bourgeois domesticity. One can imagine the constraints and expectations that shaped her daily existence; her identity inextricably linked to her role as a wife. Yet, within the conventions of portraiture, there might be subtle expressions of individuality, resilience, or perhaps even quiet defiance. Consider how Jeanette might have navigated the societal expectations of her time, and how this portrait might reflect her personal narrative. What emotions do you see in her face?