Portret van een onbekende vrouw 1875 - 1884

This 'Portret van een onbekende vrouw' was created by Wegner & Mottu. During the late 19th century, photography studios such as Wegner & Mottu emerged, democratizing portraiture. These small photographs offered a tangible memento, a means of preserving and communicating identity during a time of rapid social change. This image encapsulates the intersection of gender and class within the confines of 19th-century society. The woman's modest attire, adorned with a simple bow, speaks to a middle-class identity, yet the very act of commissioning a portrait suggests a desire for visibility and recognition. The subject's gaze meets ours directly, challenging the conventional representation of women as passive objects. Does this act subvert the traditional norms of the time? It is a poignant reminder of the countless untold stories that reside within the historical record. Despite her anonymity, she represents a collective of women whose experiences shaped the fabric of their time.