Portret van een vrouw in bruidsjurk 1860 - 1900

This is a small portrait of a woman in a wedding dress made by A. Delamare & A. Raguet. Looking at this portrait, one can't help but consider the cultural weight of marriage during the time it was made. For women especially, marriage often defined their social standing and economic stability. This image invites us to reflect on the performative aspects of weddings – the traditions, the expectations, and the public declaration of a private union. The woman’s posture and attire are rich with symbolism that speaks to societal ideals of femininity, purity, and the transition into a new phase of life. The woman's serene expression might belie the complexities of her situation. Was this a love match, or a strategic alliance? This image captures a moment in time, but it also serves as a mirror, reflecting our own assumptions and values back at us.