Vrouw in een witte jurk tussen twee militairen of politieagenten c. 1870 - 1910

This photograph by Theodor Penz shows a woman in a white dress flanked by two men in military uniforms. The location noted on the print is Charlottenburg, a well-to-do district of Berlin, famous for its artistic and theatrical life around the turn of the century. These costumed figures probably come from the stage. The woman’s direct gaze and confident stance suggest that she is the main attraction, likely a celebrated actress. The photograph creates meaning through its combination of visual codes and cultural references. The uniforms indicate authority and discipline, while the woman's white dress connotes innocence and purity. The overall effect is one of idealized beauty and social harmony, but this may conceal underlying tensions and power dynamics of the time. By researching the theatrical productions staged near Penz's studio, we can learn more about the social role of art and entertainment in early 20th century Berlin. The image becomes more than just a pretty picture, it provides a window into a specific moment in history and a set of cultural values.