Portret van een Indiase vrouw 1867 - 1880

This is a small cabinet card photograph, taken by G.R. Lambert & Co., depicting an Indian woman. The composition is immediately striking; the woman is centrally positioned, her figure neatly framed by a table bearing flowers to her left and a neutral backdrop. The subdued sepia tones create a visual harmony, drawing attention to the textures of her sari, adorned with a checkered pattern that adds depth and movement. The woman's gaze is direct, establishing a sense of connection with the viewer, while her jewelry provides subtle accents of light. The photograph's formal elements—the lines of the table, the curves of the floral arrangement, and the delicate details of her attire—work together to present a carefully constructed image. This speaks to the conventions of portraiture at the time, reflecting both a desire for documentation and an engagement with broader aesthetic principles. The photograph invites us to consider not just the subject, but also the cultural codes and artistic intentions embedded within its composition.