Portret van een vrouw met muts 1864 - 1886

This is Henri Xavier Harcq’s small, undated portrait of a woman with a bonnet. It's a photograph mounted on card, with a decorative border. The photograph is dominated by soft, muted tones which give a sense of calmness. The oval shape of the portrait itself creates a contained space, drawing focus to the woman's face. Her direct gaze meets ours, yet there is a formality that keeps a distance. The structure of the image is quite rigid, bisected by the clear, symmetrical line of her bonnet, which anchors the composition. However, the texture introduces complexity. The grainy quality of the photograph and the intricate lace border contrast with the smooth, plain background. This juxtaposition is interesting—the softness of the image against the firm lines of the composition. Ultimately, it invites us to consider the relationship between representation and reality. It reflects a particular moment in time viewed through the lens of photographic technology.