Portret van twee onbekende jonge vrouwen 1886 - 1895

This photograph by M. Batiste & Sons captures two young women in a studio setting, using the new electric light for artistic photography. The gesture of one woman placing her hand on the other's shoulder speaks of comfort, intimacy, or perhaps a shared moment of reflection. Consider the act of placing a hand on someone's shoulder. Throughout art history, this simple yet powerful motif reappears—think of classical depictions of familial bonds, like Dido and Aeneas, or religious scenes showing Mary comforting Christ. The gesture transcends mere physical touch; it embodies empathy, protection, and the unspoken language of human connection. The cyclical progression of this symbol—from ancient friezes to modern photographs—highlights its enduring power. It evolves, adapts, yet retains its core essence: a silent, poignant expression of shared humanity.