Portret van een vrouw met medaillon 1873 - 1887

Godfried de Jong created this small portrait of a woman with a medallion using albumen silver print. The picture has a formal quality, emphasized by the subject’s central position and direct gaze. A limited range of sepia tones gives it a subdued feel. The structured arrangement draws attention to the interplay between light and shadow, subtly modeling her features and dress. The lace collar and medallion introduce texture that contrasts with the smooth backdrop, which signifies wealth and status. This carefully constructed image reflects the conventions of portraiture and the desire to capture an ideal representation of the sitter. The image presents a moment frozen in time. Through its composition and details, the photograph engages with broader questions of representation, memory, and identity. Photography invites us to consider the cultural and social values embedded within.