Portret van een onbekende vrouw 1880 - 1887

This portrait of an unknown woman was captured by Albert Greiner in Amsterdam. Though we don’t know her name, her image offers a glimpse into the social conventions of the time. The woman’s formal attire and the professional nature of the photograph speak to a certain social class and the rising prominence of photography as a means of self-representation. The question of identity is central here. This photograph operates as a cultural artifact that provides insight into the construction of femininity in 19th-century Europe, where women were often portrayed within the confines of domesticity and decorum. Portraits like this offer a fascinating look into the lives and experiences of individuals who might otherwise be lost to history, inviting us to reflect on the stories and identities of those who came before us.