Fotoreproductie van een silhouet van een vrouw 1855 - 1880

This is a photo reproduction of a silhouette of a woman by Hermanus Siderius. Though the date of creation is unknown, Siderius lived and worked in the 19th century, a time when silhouettes were a popular and affordable way to capture a person's likeness. Consider the context: as photography became more widespread, silhouettes occupied a space between portraiture and shadow play. They were a way for people across different social classes to participate in visual culture. Silhouettes, like this one, offer a glimpse into the visual representation of women at the time. The silhouette aesthetic often emphasized certain social standards, so here, the woman's neat hairstyle and dress may reflect the values and norms of femininity of the time. Ultimately, the artwork serves as a reminder of the diverse ways in which identity and image were negotiated in the past. It invites us to reflect on how we represent ourselves and others in the present.