Portret van een meisje met een hoed 1880 - 1920

William Abernethy’s photograph portrays a young girl wearing a hat. In this small image, a child sits formally posed, clutching a small string of beads. This portrait offers a glimpse into the constructed nature of childhood and gender in the early 20th century. The girl’s attire—a dark sailor suit-dress, complete with a pleated skirt and matching hat—speaks to the performative aspects of identity. The child's solemn expression hints at the pressures placed on girls to conform to societal expectations of decorum and composure. Consider how the trappings of class are subtly communicated through the photograph's carefully arranged composition. While the identity and specific history of the sitter remain unknown, the image invites reflection on broader cultural narratives surrounding childhood, representation, and the complex interplay between public image and personal experience.