Portret van een onbekende jonge vrouw 1855 - 1900

This is a portrait of an unknown young woman by Wasson, rendered using photographic techniques of the late 19th century. The subject is framed within an oval vignette, a common stylistic choice that softens the image and focuses attention on her face. Photography at this time, particularly portraiture, was becoming increasingly accessible to the middle classes, offering a way to record and preserve one's image for posterity. The woman’s attire and hairstyle also provide clues about the social norms of her time. The high-necked dress and neatly arranged hair reflect the conservative fashion of the era, emphasizing modesty and restraint. Historians often use photographs like this as social documents, cross-referencing them with fashion plates, etiquette manuals, and census records to build a detailed picture of life during this period. Only through such interdisciplinary methods can we begin to understand the nuances of identity and representation in the past.