Portret van een vrouw c. 1865 - 1890

Wegner & Mottu created this portrait of a woman using photography, a medium that democratized portraiture in the 19th century. The woman’s gaze carries a sense of self-awareness, challenging the objectification often present in historical representations of women. Her ornate hairstyle and delicate jewelry position her within a certain class, yet her direct look transcends simple classification. Consider how this image participates in the complex dialogue around gender and representation. Photography provided new opportunities for women as both subjects and practitioners. This portrait invites reflection on the roles available to women in the 19th century, and the gazes to which they were subjected. It encourages us to think about the power dynamics inherent in portraiture and the ways in which photography can both reinforce and subvert social norms.