Portret van een oude vrouw met bril 1898 - 1912

Curator: Ah, here we have an intriguing turn-of-the-century photograph, "Portret van een oude vrouw met bril," which translates to "Portrait of an old woman with glasses," thought to be captured sometime between 1898 and 1912. The work epitomizes the portrait style blended with the atmospheric touches of Pictorialism. Editor: My word, she looks formidable! Like someone who knows exactly how many sugars you sneak into your tea when you think no one is watching. There’s a severity to the line of her jaw and the set of her mouth, softened ever so slightly by the gentle curve of her spectacles. Curator: Indeed, her gaze possesses a remarkable intensity, despite being captured in profile. It’s fascinating how the photographer, Corine Ingelse, harnesses realism within this very formal portrait setting. Look at the intricate details captured: the delicate lace at her collar, the precisely coiffed hair. Editor: The sepia tones create a wistful air. You can almost smell the faint scent of mothballs and lavender, can’t you? The photograph becomes a tiny time capsule—a fleeting glimpse into a world where appearances mattered a great deal. She probably had a whole room dedicated to crocheted doilies, if you want my honest opinion! Curator: Note how Ingelse skillfully plays with light and shadow to sculpt her features, imbuing the image with considerable depth and volume. There’s a clear, purposeful aesthetic intent at work beyond mere reproduction. The formal qualities elevates it. Editor: I'd bet anything that the glasses perch delicately on her nose bridge for very good reason. It hints to the concept that seeing involves more than just eyesight—perhaps insight, remembrance. As we look, do we reflect? She gazes onward and is quite composed and self-assured, the artist renders us helpless and voyeuristic to what seems like an entire world behind her steely expression. Curator: This convergence of objective observation and subtle emotional resonance makes the image enduring, no doubt. We as the modern audience may even see ourselves in such portraits; as reflections on age, time and the transience. Editor: Yes, definitely a worthy capture. After careful consideration I must concede. There’s poetry in how it reveals her strength and gentleness together, frozen eternally with such elegance and thought.