Portret van een vrouw 1892 - 1903

This is a portrait of a woman, made by Cornelis Bernardus Broersma. Though undated, we can place it in the late 19th century when photography became a popular way to capture and commemorate likenesses, especially among the middle class. In this small photograph, the sitter's gaze meets ours directly, framed by the severe hairstyle and dark clothing typical of the era. What does it mean to really "see" this woman, whose name and story might now be lost to time? Photography in this period served not only as a technological marvel, but also as a social tool, reinforcing or challenging societal norms. Consider how gender, class, and perhaps even personal identity are carefully constructed within the confines of this small frame. It invites us to reflect on the ways we document and perceive one another, and who gets to be remembered.