Susanne Schouw 1811 - 1879

Peter Gemzøe created this print of Susanne Schouw, and it's currently held at the SMK, the National Gallery of Denmark. This portrait offers a glimpse into the visual culture of 19th-century Denmark, a time when social roles and expectations were quite rigid, particularly for women. Susanne is presented with a delicate balance of modesty and poise, typical of representations of women from the middle classes. Her attire, complete with lace and a neatly tied scarf, speaks to her social standing. In many ways the portraits of the time were used to affirm social identities. Yet I wonder, does Susanne’s gentle gaze hint at the complexities and nuances of her individual experience beyond the conventional representation? How did Susanne perceive her role in a rapidly changing society, and what aspirations might she have held beyond the confines of her portrait? It serves not only as a record of an individual but also as an invitation to reflect on the untold stories of women in history.