Portretstudie van een onbekende vrouw before 1905

This portrait study of an unknown woman was created by James Cruwys Richards, sometime between the late 19th and early 20th century. During this period, the aesthetic of the ‘New Woman’ challenged conventional gender roles. They pursued education, careers, and independence, advocating for suffrage and equality. In this portrait, the woman's gaze is directed away, perhaps suggesting introspection or independence from the viewer's gaze. The flower she holds can be interpreted as a symbol of beauty, fragility, or even resistance. It serves as a poignant emblem of femininity during a time of changing societal expectations. The soft focus and delicate lighting contribute to the sense of her quiet strength, while her simple, yet elegant attire suggests a departure from more elaborate, restrictive fashions. Richards captures a sense of this emerging female identity, reflecting both the external changes and internal complexities experienced by women during this transformative era.