Portret van Henriëtte van Bergen en Wilhelmina van Zijll de Jong, Cambridge 1932 - 1936

This vintage photograph, of unknown provenance, presents Henriëtte van Bergen and Wilhelmina van Zijll de Jong against the architectural backdrop of Cambridge. The photograph’s composition, though seemingly simple, is structured by contrasting textures and forms. The softness of the fur stoles worn by the sitters is juxtaposed against the sharp, linear details of the gothic architecture behind them. This contrast creates a visual dialogue between the organic and the constructed, the personal and the institutional. Note how the poses of the women, one standing formally and the other more relaxed, introduce a dynamic of social representation. The formal dress and setting suggest an engagement with societal roles and expectations. By considering the cultural codes embedded within the image, we can see beyond a simple portrait to explore themes of identity, status, and the interplay between the individual and their environment. Ultimately, the photograph invites us to reflect on how visual elements can both reflect and construct cultural meanings.