Josepha Kaltenthaler mit Spitzenhäubchen 1836

Friedrich von Amerling painted this portrait of Josepha Kaltenthaler, rendered in oil, sometime in the 19th century. During this period in Europe, portraiture served as an important tool for conveying social status and personal identity. Amerling was a prominent portraitist who often depicted members of the Austrian aristocracy and upper middle class. In this context, Kaltenthaler’s attire - specifically the delicate lace bonnet - speaks volumes about her position. The bonnet, while modest, signifies respectability and a certain level of economic comfort, setting her apart from the working class. Note the almost severe expression and the deliberate lack of adornment, aside from the bonnet. Here, Amerling offers us a glimpse into the life of a woman who, while not part of the highest echelons of society, occupied a significant, if often overlooked, place within it. The painting challenges the traditional narrative of portraiture, inviting us to consider the lives and identities of those who were not typically the subjects of grand, heroic depictions.