Studioportret van een vrouw in klederdracht met een zwart kapje op het hoofd c. 1863 - 1866

This is a studio portrait of a woman in traditional dress, captured by Ch. Binger & Co. The photograph offers a glimpse into the performance of cultural identity through clothing. The woman is adorned in garments and a black bonnet which signify adherence to a particular community. But this is no candid shot. This staged representation invites us to consider the complexities of tradition in the face of modernity. During a time of immense social change, how did individuals navigate their identities? The photograph suggests an intentional preservation of cultural heritage. These images were often circulated as keepsakes, reinforcing a sense of belonging. What does it mean to perform one's identity for the camera, and for whom is this performance intended? The woman’s gaze seems to hold both pride and a hint of vulnerability, revealing the intimate and personal dimensions of cultural representation.