Portret van een onbekende vrouw in klederdracht van Bregenzerwald c. 1870 - 1890

This portrait of an unknown woman in traditional dress from Bregenzerwald was created by T. Richard Sohn. The image encapsulates how photography became a tool for documenting and, in a sense, codifying regional identities in the 19th century. Made in either Switzerland or Austria, the photograph presents more than just a likeness; it stages a representation of cultural belonging. The woman's attire, from her distinctive hat to the intricately patterned skirt, speaks to specific customs and social structures of the Bregenzerwald region. The backdrop, likely a studio set, suggests a desire to frame this identity within a romanticized, almost theatrical context. These images would have been used in publications documenting regional dress for a growing tourist industry. The very act of photographing and distributing such images played a role in shaping how both locals and outsiders perceived these communities. To fully appreciate the image we must look to archives, publications, and local histories to understand the complex interplay between representation, identity, and commercial interests in the 19th century.