Portret van een zittende vrouw met een muts 1862 - 1869

Ch. Binger & Co. created this portrait of a seated woman with a bonnet using a photographic process of the time. The composition is strikingly formal; the subject is centered, her gaze direct, creating a sense of presence. The tones are muted, typical of early photography, but notice how the light falls, creating distinct forms. The fabric of her dress cascades into soft folds, a play of light and shadow that gives the image a sculptural quality. This echoes a fascination with form common in painting and sculpture. The books on the table, are they props, or symbols of knowledge? The woman’s direct gaze seems to challenge us to decipher the signs. The very act of being photographed was itself a statement, a way of fixing identity and social status. This photograph serves not just as a personal memento but also as a document of its time, reflecting broader cultural values and the emergence of new ways of seeing and representing the world.