Portret van een onbekende vrouw 1897 - 1901

Anton Cornelis Thomann captured this photograph titled 'Portret van een onbekende vrouw'. The lack of information surrounding this portrait invites us to consider the role of photography in shaping identity and memory during Thomann's time. Photography in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was often used to immortalize individuals, yet it also obscured the complexities of their lives. The woman's gaze is direct, but her identity remains a mystery, prompting reflections on the countless untold stories of women in history. The photograph captures a moment of poise, yet the absence of context leaves us wondering about her aspirations, struggles, and place in society. 'Portret van een onbekende vrouw' reminds us of the importance of acknowledging the diverse experiences of individuals who have been historically marginalized, and of creating space for their stories to be heard.