Portret van Adriana Johanna Pauw van Wieldrecht 1888 - 1889

This is a portrait of Adriana Johanna Pauw van Wieldrecht, captured by Henry Pauw van Wieldrecht. The dimensions are intimate, almost like a carte de visite. The photograph’s composition creates a fascinating dialogue. Adriana stands confidently, her tennis racket a clear signifier of leisure and modernity. Yet, she is posed against a neutral backdrop, next to a heavily ornate chair. The texture of the wicker and floral fabric sharply contrasts with the smooth wall, creating visual tension. It is as if the image presents two distinct worlds: one of active, modern life, and another of traditional, decorative stillness. The use of sepia tones further enriches this contrast, lending a historical depth. It's as if the photograph itself becomes a site where different temporalities intersect and where the subject negotiates her identity amidst evolving social codes.