Portret van een zittende vrouw met een muts en (mogelijk) een fotoalbum in de hand 1861 - 1880

This is a photograph of a seated woman with a bonnet, possibly holding a photo album, made by Matthijs Adolph Conen. The bonnet, adorned with delicate floral patterns, speaks of modesty and virtue, echoing similar headdresses seen in Renaissance portraits of virtuous women. This recalls the Renaissance concept of "memoria," where objects carry cultural and personal significance. The bonnet can be seen as an index of the sitter's social role and respectability, a theme echoed across centuries in various forms of portraiture. The gesture of holding the album close to her body, evokes the intimate act of preserving and cherishing memories. This gesture taps into our collective subconscious, reminding us of our own treasured keepsakes and the emotional weight we assign to them. Across time and cultures, the pose of holding an object close to one's self reappears as a symbol of emotional connection. Ultimately, we are drawn to the psychological power embedded in this woman's image, capturing a moment of contemplation and connection to her personal history.