Portret van een vrouw met muts 1880s

This is Benjamin Sanders's "Portret van een vrouw met muts," a portrait of a woman in a bonnet. Sanders was a Dutch photographer active in the mid-19th century. Looking at this photograph today, it's easy to forget that the advent of photography dramatically altered how people saw themselves and others. In the 19th century, portraiture was largely the domain of the wealthy; photography democratized image-making, allowing people from various social classes to capture their likeness. Consider this woman’s bonnet. Note the sobriety of her attire, and her direct gaze. This portrait isn't just a depiction of an individual; it's a document of a changing society. The photograph captures a sense of self-possession and quiet dignity. It invites us to reflect on the lives of ordinary people of the past, and the historical forces that shaped their identities.