Studioportret van vrouw, buste 1880 - 1920

This sepia photograph by Machiel Hendricus Laddé captures a woman in what appears to be a moment of composed, yet melancholic reflection. The high collar she wears is a fascinating symbol, once a representation of modesty and status, it evokes a sense of restraint that was culturally significant during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The tight collar, like the tightly bound foot of ancient China, restricted the wearer. Interestingly, similar motifs of neck adornment and constriction can be seen across various periods, from the elaborate ruffs of the Renaissance, to the dog collars worn as fetish in contemporary culture. Each iteration carries its own psychological weight, reflecting societal norms and individual expressions. The woman’s stoic expression, framed by the high collar, speaks volumes about the internal struggles often hidden behind a facade of respectability. These expressions are powerful carriers of memory, engaging us on a subconscious level with the collective experiences of past generations. The image invites us to contemplate the cyclical nature of symbols and their capacity to reflect the ever-evolving human condition.