Portret van een onbekende vrouw c. 1905 - 1920

This portrait of an unknown woman was made by Koene & Büttinghausen, though the specific date has been lost to us. The oval format and subdued tones were typical of commercial photographic studios across Europe at the turn of the 20th century. Considered a modern marvel, photography democratized portraiture. No longer a privilege of the wealthy, even working-class families could afford a photographic likeness, often displayed in a prominent location in the home. The sitter's clothing tells us that she was likely middle class. However, her anonymity raises questions about the cultural role of photography. Was this a personal memento, or was it intended for public display? Whose gaze was she meant to meet? Historians might consult local archives, census records, or photographic studio ledgers to uncover the story behind this image. Without this context, the meaning of art remains contingent on its relationship to the society in which it was made.