Portret van een vrouw met bril 1897 - 1902

This is a portrait of a woman with glasses by Guillame Maximilien Zimmermann. The photograph offers a glimpse into the identity and representation of women during a time of significant social change. Consider how the simple act of portraying a woman wearing glasses challenges conventional beauty standards and gender roles of the period. In a time when women's roles were often confined to the domestic sphere, the presence of glasses may signify intellect, education, and a departure from traditional expectations. What does it mean to see a woman represented in a way that emphasizes her intellect and individuality, rather than just her physical appearance? Zimmermann's portrait invites us to consider the multifaceted identities of women in history and the ways in which they negotiated societal expectations while asserting their own sense of self. It's a powerful reminder that identity is not fixed.