Portret van een staande vrouw met waaier in de hand 1875 - 1900

This is Gustav Georg Lange’s portrait of a standing woman holding a fan. Though undated, the photograph offers a glimpse into the 19th-century conventions of representing women. The subject's attire and the overall composition speak volumes about the era's social expectations. Corseted and adorned with jewelry, she embodies the image of a well-to-do woman, constrained by societal norms yet subtly asserting her identity. The fan, a common accessory, becomes a tool for communication. Consider the emotional landscape of this woman. Was this an empowering portrayal, or a reflection of the limited roles available to women? Photographs like this allowed for new forms of representation that both echoed and challenged traditional artistic and social forms. It invites us to reflect on the ongoing dialogues around gender, identity, and representation that continue to shape our world.