Portret van een jonge vrouw met gevlochten haar 1872 - 1891

Gerrit Dirk Siewers created this portrait of a young woman with braided hair, as an 85 by 52 mm photograph. The woman’s clothing and hairstyle reflect the fashion of the late 19th century. The photograph, likely taken in the Netherlands, offers insight into the social conventions and ideals of beauty during this period. The neutral expression and formal attire suggest a deliberate effort to present a composed and respectable image. Photography in this era was increasingly accessible, allowing middle-class families to document their likeness. These portraits served as tokens of memory, familial connection, and social identity. Examining photographs like these alongside archival materials such as fashion plates, personal letters, and social commentaries, helps us to understand the nuances of everyday life and the values upheld by Dutch society at the time. The study of these images illuminates broader cultural narratives.