Portret van een onbekend meisje before 1898

Ed. Hannon’s photogravure print, *Portret van een onbekend meisje*, captures an intimate, yet distant, portrait of a young girl. This work, published as part of a larger collection of photographic studies, offers a glimpse into the aesthetic and social values of the early 20th century. The girl's identity remains a mystery, yet her image speaks volumes about the prevailing ideals of beauty and innocence. The soft focus and delicate lighting evoke a sense of vulnerability, while her direct gaze hints at a quiet strength. What does it mean to preserve someone in a portrait whose name will be forever unknown? In its time, such portraits served not only as artistic expressions but also as documents of social status and personal identity. Examining this portrait today prompts us to consider how the representation of women and girls has evolved, reflecting shifting cultural norms around gender, beauty, and power. Through her enigmatic presence, the unknown girl invites us to reflect on the transient nature of identity, memory, and representation itself.