Portret van twee vrouwen, aangeduid als Griet v.d. Tol en Tini van 't Veen 1906 - 1908

Jan Bouman created this carte-de-visite, a small photograph, featuring two women identified as Griet v.d. Tol and Tini van 't Veen. These photographs were widely popular in the 19th century and acted as calling cards, a way to remember and circulate images of loved ones or public figures. This image encapsulates the rigid gender norms of the time and gives us an insight into the intimate sphere of female relationships. The women's dark, high-necked dresses and serious expressions speak to the restrained and formal conventions of Victorian portraiture. However, the very act of capturing their likenesses suggests an assertion of identity. The photograph might hint at deeper emotional bonds between the subjects, offering a glimpse into the private lives of women during this era. In what ways did these women relate to one another? Did they support one another's ambitions? Ultimately, the portrait invites us to contemplate the untold stories and experiences of women in history.