Portret van een vrouw met een jurk en een opgebonden staart 1865 - 1869

A. Böeseken captured this photographic portrait of a woman with a dress and an updo, with dimensions of 92 by 59 mm. The woman's hands, crossed delicately in her lap, are reminiscent of countless depictions of female subjects throughout art history, a gesture of modesty and restraint. Consider, for instance, the many Renaissance portraits where a similar hand position conveyed virtue and composure. This motif has roots stretching back to antiquity, where crossed hands might signify reverence or submission. Over time, this gesture has been imbued with a complex set of meanings, often reflecting societal expectations of women, which have evolved greatly. The controlled posture and understated attire invite us to contemplate the psychological dimensions of portraiture. The woman's gaze and composed demeanor reflect a moment captured in time, yet they also resonate with the emotional and cultural values of her era. These reappear throughout history, constantly adapting.