Portret van een vrouw c. 1890 - 1910

Machiel Hendricus Laddé made this portrait of a woman, now held at the Rijksmuseum, at an unknown date, using a photographic process. Laddé, active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, worked in a period where photography was still finding its place between art and documentation. This portrait offers an intimate glimpse into the life of an unknown woman from that era. The woman's identity remains a mystery, yet her presence speaks volumes. Her gaze and attire reflect the societal expectations of women at the time, where poise and decorum were highly valued. The photograph, in its formal composition, provides a window into understanding the negotiation of gender and class through visual representation. It captures an essence that transcends time. The portrait, though small, is a poignant reminder of the countless untold stories that make up our shared history, subtly hinting at the complexities of identity and representation.