Portret van een onbekende vrouw met dochter 1865 - 1885

Hendrik Cordes created this photograph of an unknown woman and daughter, using the carte-de-visite format popular in the 19th century. During this period, photography became more accessible, allowing for a broader representation of society, though portraiture remained largely a privilege of the middle and upper classes. This image offers a glimpse into the gendered expectations of the time, evident in the attire and posed demeanor of both mother and daughter. The clothing, while simple, speaks to a certain level of respectability and adherence to social norms. There is a tenderness between the two figures, even amidst the formality of the portrait. While the subjects remain unknown to us, their image invites us to reflect on the lives of ordinary women and girls during this era. It serves as a poignant reminder of the constraints and possibilities that shaped their experiences, and the complex interplay of identity, representation, and social context.