Portret van Emilia Bonini 1821

Antonio Dalco created this engraving, a portrait of Emilia Bonini, sometime in the 19th century. During this period, portraiture played a crucial role in shaping social identity, particularly for women. Here, Emilia is depicted with a certain demureness, typical of the era's expectations for women's representation. Yet, I wonder about Emilia's own voice and agency. What was it like for her to sit for this portrait, knowing it would be part of constructing her public persona? The engraving captures a specific moment in time, a young woman presented within the confines of societal expectations, while perhaps hinting at the complexities of her inner life. It’s a reminder that even within the seemingly rigid structures of the 19th century, individual stories and identities continue to emerge.