Portret van een jonge vrouw in een communiejurk op een bidstoel 1860 - 1900

Gilbert Micot captured this photographic portrait of a young woman in her communion dress, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century. The photograph encapsulates a significant moment in a young Catholic girl's life, marking her entry into the religious community. The visual codes of the image are deeply rooted in cultural and religious traditions. The white dress symbolizes purity and innocence, while the rosary and prayer stool underscore the act of devotion. Examining church records and local histories might reveal the specific socio-economic backgrounds of families who commissioned such portraits. Was this an affordable tradition for many, or a status symbol for the bourgeoisie? These portraits served as important family heirlooms, reinforcing religious identity and social standing. Understanding the institutional history of the Catholic Church in the region and the evolving role of women in religious practice can shed light on the photograph's deeper cultural significance. By exploring these avenues, we recognize that this is more than just a picture, it is a document of cultural practice.