Portret van Grietje Boon 1888

This is a portrait of Grietje Boon by H. van der Zijl, likely created in the late 19th or early 20th century. It captures a moment in the life of a woman during a time of significant social change. Consider the rigid formality of the portrait, a style common in an era where photography was still a relatively novel medium. Grietje's attire, including her lace bonnet and dark, high-necked dress, speaks volumes about the cultural norms and expectations placed on women of her time. This carefully constructed image invites us to reflect on the roles, expectations, and limitations that defined women’s lives during this period. What does it mean to have your identity framed and captured through the lens of a male photographer? The photograph serves not just as a record, but as a mirror reflecting the complex interplay between individual identity and societal expectations. It encourages us to consider the lives of women like Grietje, and how they navigated the constraints and possibilities of their time.