Portret van twee vrouwen, leunend op een balustrade Possibly 1884

Ernst Wolffram captured this sepia-toned photograph of two women leaning on what appears to be a balustrade. This image offers a glimpse into the visual codes of the late 19th century, likely in Europe, a time defined by strict social structures and burgeoning industrialization. The women's attire—high-necked dresses, elaborate lace detailing—speaks to the sartorial conventions of their era and social standing. The balustrade suggests a staged setting, possibly a photographer's studio, reflecting the institutional practice of portraiture that served to solidify class identity. What does it mean to be a woman in this time? Are they sisters? Friends? This image provides a window into the social conventions and aesthetic values that shaped the lives of women in this era. By consulting sources such as fashion journals, social commentaries, and photographic studio records, we can reconstruct a richer understanding of this image's historical significance.