Portret van een zittende vrouw met boek in de hand 1855 - 1881

Charles Thomas Newcombe created this small photograph of a seated woman holding a book, likely sometime in the mid to late 19th century. It's an albumen print, a process that allowed for detailed images, but which also faded easily. This portrait presents a fascinating glimpse into the social expectations of women during that era. Holding a book was a symbol of education and refinement, qualities that were increasingly valued in women, especially those of the middle and upper classes. Yet, her elaborate dress and composed pose also speak to the constraints placed upon them. The woman's identity, lost to time, could perhaps be rediscovered through genealogical records or studies of Victorian fashion. Such resources help us understand the complex interplay between personal identity and the social structures of the time. It reminds us that even seemingly simple portraits like this one are rich with historical meaning.