Portret van een onbekende vrouw 1861 - 1865

This is an undated portrait of an unknown woman by Carjat et Cie. It’s a photographic print mounted on card from an era where photography began to democratize portraiture. Think about the gaze of the sitter; in 19th century photography, the subjects, often middle-class, were given the chance to have their likeness captured, a privilege previously reserved for the aristocracy. Consider also the anonymity of the sitter, her identity lost to time, leaving us to speculate about her life, her aspirations, and her place in society. The image invites contemplation on the historical representation of women, their roles, and their visibility, while also subtly challenging the traditional art historical focus on male subjects. Consider the technical constraints of early photography and its impact on the final image. This portrait encapsulates a moment in time, capturing not just an individual, but the shifting social and artistic landscape of the 19th century.