Portret van een vrouw met een kanten kraag c. 1879 - 1880

This photographic portrait of a woman with a lace collar was produced around 1879-1880 by J.B. Angler & Co. In the late 19th century, photography became a powerful tool for constructing and disseminating social identities. This image offers insight into the visual codes through which middle-class women sought to represent themselves. Her dark dress and elegant lace collar speak to the era's emphasis on modesty and refinement. Seated and gazing directly at the viewer, she asserts a composed and self-assured presence within the confines of societal expectations. Consider how women of this era navigated the tension between self-expression and prescribed gender roles. What does it mean to perform for the camera, to present a curated version of oneself? While the photograph captures a specific individual, it also reflects broader cultural ideals about femininity and social status. In what ways does this image echo or challenge our contemporary notions of identity and representation?