Portret van Loty van Braam 1861 - 1880

This is a small portrait photograph of Loty van Braam, captured by Carel Eduard Westerborg. Though modest in size, the oval frame itself speaks volumes; it’s a symbol with roots stretching back to antiquity. The egg, mirroring the universe, becomes a potent symbol of potential and rebirth. Its presence is not confined to a single time; consider the Renaissance, where the oval frame frequently enclosed portraits, imbuing sitters with an aura of classical virtue and timelessness. Our collective memory subtly connects such forms with ideas of wholeness and continuity. The choice of an oval for Loty’s portrait is no accident, Westerborg’s choice resonates with centuries of cultural associations, subconsciously lending an air of enduring grace to his subject.