Portret van een jonge vrouw met een halssieraad c. 1882 - 1910

This is 'Portret van een jonge vrouw met een halssieraad', a carte de visite created by Franz Reissig, now held in the Rijksmuseum. The photograph's monochromatic palette and delicate texture evoke a sense of quiet intimacy, inviting a close examination of its formal elements. The composition is structured around the young woman's face, framed by soft light and gentle curves. The controlled tonal range creates subtle contrasts, highlighting the texture of her hair and the details of her attire. Here, the interplay between light and shadow, combined with the formal pose, emphasizes the sitter's presence while subtly distancing her from the viewer. This tension between presence and absence, typical of early portrait photography, challenges traditional notions of representation and identity. It also reflects the broader cultural shifts in how individuals were perceived and documented during this period. Notice how the use of the frame functions as a formal device enhancing the subject, but also acts as a semiotic marker, highlighting photography's role in constructing and mediating identity. Photography captures a moment and invites ongoing interpretation.