Portret van een jonge vrouw 1903 - 1940

This is a portrait of a young woman by Johannes de Jongh, a photographer born in the Netherlands in 1880. The photograph provides us with a glimpse into the constructed identity of women at the turn of the century. Captured in a small, oval frame, she gazes directly at the viewer with remarkable composure. Her elaborate hairstyle, high-necked dress, and delicate necklace reflect the fashion and social expectations of the time. What stories might be embedded in this image? Consider the limitations and possibilities that structured her life. Was this portrait made for personal use, or for public display? What does it say about the way women were encouraged to present themselves, balancing both beauty and restraint? While the portrait captures a singular moment, it also speaks to broader themes of gender, representation, and the complex interplay between private identity and public persona.