Portret van twee onbekende vrouwen 1890 - 1910

Adolf Johansen made this intimate portrait of two women wearing traditional clothing using an early photographic process. The image provides a glimpse into the regional identities and gender roles of the time. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the rise of nationalism across Europe saw a renewed interest in local customs and traditions. This photograph reflects that movement through the clothes and wooden shoes. The women are presented as embodiments of regional identity. The women's gaze avoids direct eye contact, suggesting a demureness aligning with the era's expectations for women. Yet, their confident poses hint at a quiet self-assuredness. The photograph captures a moment of cultural pride and personal identity at a time of significant social change. It offers a subtle commentary on the complexities of being a woman in a changing world.