Portret van een onbekende vrouw met een boek 1870 - 1881

Coenraad Cornelis Roskam's "Portret van een onbekende vrouw met een boek" from 1870-1881 is a striking example of 19th-century portrait photography. The seated woman, clad in a modest dress and shawl, holds a book in her lap, suggesting a woman of intellect. The image's intimacy and the subject's direct gaze create a sense of connection with the viewer, a common feature of portraiture of this era. The small size of the photograph likely reflects its personal nature, possibly intended for a family album. Roskam's skill in capturing detail is evident in the woman's delicate features, her intricate lace cap, and the textures of her clothing.