Portret van een zittende vrouw 1855 - 1881

Charles Thomas Newcombe captured this 'Portret van een zittende vrouw' using photography, a relatively new medium at the time. Notice the subject’s modest attire, a heavy, dark dress. The color black and the covered-up silhouette can be seen as a symbol of mourning or solemnity, recurring throughout art history in various forms, from Renaissance portraits to contemporary fashion. We can trace the iconography of dark clothing back to ancient Roman and medieval customs, where it signified humility and piety. Observe the way the woman’s hands are clasped in her lap. It is a gesture of restraint and composure. This motif echoes through time, appearing in depictions of saints, nobility, and the bourgeoisie, each time adapting to reflect the values of that era. These gestures are often interpreted as expressions of inner turmoil or repressed emotion, resonating with the viewer on a subconscious level. The cyclical progression of this imagery speaks to the enduring power of cultural symbols and their ability to evoke deeply ingrained emotional responses.