Groepsportret van het eerste Europese vrouwenorkest onder leiding van Josefine Amann-Weinlich 1868 - 1887

Here we see a photographic print by Heinrich Harmsen of the first European women's orchestra, led by Josefine Amann-Weinlich. The dominant visual symbol here is the orchestra itself. The presence of women holding instruments is striking. Historically, musical instruments have been associated with male dominance in the realm of public performance. Note that the flutes and string instruments are not merely objects but symbols of access and empowerment. Now, recall depictions of the muses in classical antiquity, often portrayed with lyres. These figures represent inspiration, memory, and the arts, yet they were idealized and often disembodied. But here, we see real women, actively shaping the cultural landscape. Think of the female figure playing the lute or harp in medieval tapestries. The act of creation and performance takes on new meanings. The image captures a moment of cultural evolution, challenging us to reconsider the roles women have been assigned and those they have actively claimed.