Portret van een vrouw met muts 1861 - 1880

Carel Eduard Westerborg created this diminutive portrait of a woman with a bonnet, using photography, in the 19th century. The photograph captures a moment in the evolving representation of women in art, as photography began to offer a more accessible medium for portraiture. Consider the social conventions of the time, where women's identities were often closely tied to their domestic roles and appearance. The woman's attire, including her bonnet, reflects the fashion and social expectations placed on women. Yet, the photograph captures an intimate glimpse into her individual presence. She is portrayed in a way that deviates from traditional representations, offering an alternative narrative of female identity during a period of significant social change. This image encapsulates a sense of personal history and invites us to reflect on the complex interplay between identity, representation, and societal norms.