Portret van een jonge vrouw 1909 - 1931

Curator: This is a photographic portrait, titled "Portret van een jonge vrouw", dating from sometime between 1909 and 1931. Editor: Oh, she looks a bit… stern? Maybe that’s just the formality of photography then. Curator: Certainly portraiture in this era operated under very specific codes. Consider the public role photography occupied then: images often were aimed at establishing or conveying a particular status. Editor: I wonder what story is behind that stare, though. Does she secretly dream of being a pilot, even if it is unheard of? She certainly carries something interesting with her; she might be one step away from causing a scene! Curator: What's really interesting, when you view it from a historical perspective, is considering the implicit power dynamics at play. Photography, especially of women, was enmeshed in ideas about respectability, societal expectations and gender roles of the early 20th century. Editor: Makes you wonder what it would be like to just hop into that photo and whisper "Hey, go crazy!" into her ear. That’s an intense expression, so still, formal…almost as if it is from another universe. But look at that slight glint in her eyes—that’s what I want to unlock! Curator: And in whose interest was that intensity policed? It seems, with some photographic portraiture from this period, the objective was to contain intensity, individuality, and agency. Editor: Well, hopefully this guide can encourage more rebellious photos and rebellious actions to take place! Curator: Let's hope. Examining photography from this era shows how images participated in constructing a very specific picture of who had the right to be seen, and how they were seen. Editor: Thank you! So fascinating to connect photography with culture and behavior of the time. Curator: Likewise; your creative takes really challenge accepted historical interpretations.