Portret van een meisje, staand bij een bureau 1860 - 1890

This is a portrait of a girl standing by a desk, created by Bertall et Cie. It's interesting to think about how photography, especially portraiture, has historically been used to convey and solidify social identities. In this image, the girl's posture and attire suggest a certain level of decorum expected of young women. The presence of the desk also hints at her education, which was increasingly becoming a part of middle-class expectations. However, there’s also something in her gaze that defies easy categorization. It's as though she is both performing and questioning the role expected of her. This tension between expectation and individuality makes me wonder about her own aspirations. Does she imagine a different future for herself beyond the confines of the domestic sphere? Ultimately, this image prompts us to consider the complex interplay between personal identity and societal expectations in shaping an individual's sense of self.