Fotoreproducties van 49 geschilderde portretten van onbekende vrouwen before 1885

This is a photograph of 49 painted portraits of unknown women, created by Erche & Co. This catalog of reproductions gives us a glimpse into the representation of women in painting. The variety of poses and attire may reflect the complex social roles women occupied. Are these portraits of actresses, artists, or members of the bourgeoisie? The fact that their names and stories are absent speaks volumes about the historical erasure of women's individual identities. The choice to reproduce these portraits through photography raises interesting questions. Photography, with its promise of objectivity, disseminates images of women en masse. Perhaps Erche & Co. aimed to democratize art, making it accessible to a wider audience. The women in these portraits, though nameless, become subjects of study and fascination for us today. Consider the emotional impact of viewing these forgotten faces, each bearing a unique expression and history. What can we learn from the gazes and gestures captured in these images, and how do they challenge or reinforce our understanding of women's roles?