Portret van een vrouw, staand bij een stoel 1860 - 1900

Théodule Antoine Courthéoux created this portrait of a woman, standing by a chair. This image offers a glimpse into the visual culture and social norms of its time, particularly concerning the representation of women. The woman's pose and attire reflect the period’s conventions of modesty and decorum. The photograph's sepia tone gives it a timeless quality, but it's important to consider the constraints and expectations placed on women during this era. She is pictured alone, with a formal, almost solemn expression; her clothing is simple, with very little adornment. It suggests a certain middle-class austerity, a desire to present oneself respectably, but without ostentation. The fact that she is standing next to the chair suggests the accoutrements of wealth. This photograph encapsulates the complex interplay between individual identity and social role. It reminds us to look beyond the surface and ask: What does it mean to be seen?