Portret van een onbekende vrouw 1877 - 1897

Lodewijk Hendrikus Serré captured this unknown woman on a carte-de-visite. The most striking aspect is the cross she wears, a symbol with roots stretching back to ancient times, predating Christianity. Initially a symbol of cosmic order, the cross was integrated into Christian iconography to represent Christ’s sacrifice, becoming a beacon of faith, hope, and redemption. Yet, across cultures, it appears as a nexus point, a meeting of celestial and terrestrial realms. Consider the ancient Egyptian ankh, symbolizing life, or the Celtic cross entwined with nature. This symbol's recurrence speaks to an archetypal human need to find unity in duality. Here, the cross nestled against her modest attire suggests a deep personal connection, possibly a silent declaration of faith or a protective emblem worn against life's uncertainties. This image reflects the powerful human need to connect with symbols that transcend individual experience.