Portret van Charlotte Strandberg met banjo 1860 - 1890

This is an undated photograph of Charlotte Strandberg with banjo, by an anonymous artist. The portrait offers a glimpse into the complexities of gender and performance in the late 19th century. We see Strandberg in a theatrical costume, complete with breeches, a decorated jacket, and stockings. Holding a banjo, she seems ready to break into a song or a lively tune. The banjo itself has roots in African American musical traditions, and its presence here speaks to the cultural exchange and appropriation that was common during this period. The fact that the artist is unknown makes it challenging to interpret the intention behind the photograph, though it is worth noting that the gaze emphasizes Strandberg's agency. Instead of reinforcing traditional, passive representations of women, there is a celebration of self-expression and artistic identity. The portrait captures a moment of defiance and self-assertion, a reminder that even within the constraints of the time, individuals sought ways to express their identities and challenge societal norms.