Portret van een onbekende jonge vrouw before 1918

This photobooth-style portrait of an unknown young woman was made by the American Automatic Photograph Company. The advent of automatic photography democratized portraiture, making it accessible to a broader segment of society. The woman's stern gaze and modest attire offer a glimpse into the social and gender norms of the time. While the photograph presents a seemingly straightforward image, it also raises questions about identity, representation, and the gaze. Is this an accurate representation of her, or is it shaped by societal expectations and the limitations of the technology? The anonymity surrounding the young woman and her portrait reminds us of the countless untold stories of ordinary people whose lives have been marginalized by history. It invites us to contemplate the complexities of identity and representation, and to consider the ways in which photographs shape our understanding of the past.