Portret van Raymonde van Hoecke 1897

This is a portrait of Raymonde van Hoecke by Georges Verger. Though undated, the image speaks to the rigid class structures of the time. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, portraiture became a popular way for families to display their social standing. Notice how Raymonde, though just a child, is posed formally. Her attire, complete with a bonnet, and fur-trimmed coat, mark her as a member of the upper class. The chair next to her and ornate carpet beneath her feet add to this sense of affluence and manufactured identity. Consider the expectations placed on girls during this era: they were often seen as symbols of purity and innocence and prepared for domestic roles. In this context, the portrait can be seen as an attempt to mold Raymonde into an ideal of femininity, emphasizing her role in upholding the family's social status. The portrait captures a specific moment in time, but also reflects the broader societal expectations that shaped the lives of women like Raymonde.