Portret van Jetje de Neufville 1855 - 1870

This undated portrait of Jetje de Neufville, by an anonymous artist, offers a glimpse into the life of a woman during a time of significant social change. Jetje is depicted in a formal pose, seated with a book and table beside her, conveying a sense of bourgeois respectability. During the 19th century, portraits like this were often commissioned by families to signify their social standing and familial pride. However, the absence of the artist's name invites us to consider questions of authorship and agency. Was the artist a woman, perhaps denied recognition in a male-dominated art world? How does the image reflect or challenge the limited roles prescribed to women of this era? Jetje’s steady gaze seems to hold both the weight of societal expectations and a hint of individual strength. Ultimately, this portrait serves as a poignant reminder of the complex interplay between personal identity and cultural forces.