Portret van een onbekende vrouw 1850 - 1899

This is Louis Jaugey’s etching of an unknown woman. Born in 1837, Jaugey’s artistic life coincided with the rise of photography. Etchings such as this one existed in a symbiotic relationship to photography, as photographs became more prevalent, it provided a means of circulating images widely. This small, intimate portrait provides a glimpse into the visual culture of the late 19th century. The woman's attire, with its intricate details and elegant hat, speaks to the fashion and social norms of the time. Her identity remains a mystery, yet her presence is palpable through Jaugey's skilled rendering of her features. It is a reminder of the countless untold stories of women whose lives have been largely absent from the historical record. The fact that she is 'unknown' infuses the portrait with an air of melancholic anonymity. In what ways can we imagine the lives of women such as this one? How do we connect with her and the social issues of her time?