Portret van een staande jonge vrouw, leunend op een tafel met boek 1864 - 1878

This photograph by Arthur Nicholls depicts a young woman posed formally, leaning on a table with a book. The book serves as a prominent symbol, suggesting intellect, knowledge, and perhaps piety, given its historical context. The motif of a figure with a book can be traced back through centuries. From ancient philosophers holding scrolls to Renaissance portraits of learned individuals, the book signifies wisdom and scholarly pursuits. Consider, for example, the Sibyls of antiquity, often depicted with books of prophecy. The book becomes an attribute, a way to convey status and depth of character. The manner in which the woman is portrayed evokes a sense of melancholic introspection, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, drawing them into a shared space of contemplation. The presence of the book emphasizes the eternal quest for meaning and understanding that transcends time.