Portret van een onbekende vrouw 1881

This is Augustin Mongin's "Portret van een onbekende vrouw," a portrait of an unknown woman. Made in the late 19th century, this print offers a glimpse into the social conventions of the time through the lens of historical portraiture. Mongin's choice to depict his subject in clothing reminiscent of the Dutch Golden Age, complete with a ruff collar and bonnet, speaks to a prevailing interest in historical revivalism within 19th-century art. Artists, then, were engaging with the past to create meaning in the present. The fine etching lines capture details of the sitter's face and attire, while also prompting us to consider the politics of portraiture. The woman's identity is lost to history, yet her image persists, raising questions about representation and social class. Who was she, and what does her portrayal tell us about the society in which she lived? To fully understand the nuances of this work, art historians often consult period clothing catalogues, social registries, and exhibition reviews. By piecing together fragments of the past, we gain a richer understanding of the artwork.