Portret van Ma Tobben 1900 - 1910

This portrait of Ma Tobben, was shot by Johannes Laurens Theodorus Huijsen, but when I look at it, I’m wondering more about Ma, who she was, and what she was thinking. You know? This photograph is all about shades of grey, subtle shifts in tone that let you see the light as it falls on her face, the details of her dress. The lace at her neck is so delicate, like a whisper. Then you notice that tiny white line of the necklace reflecting the light. Look at the way the zig-zag trim of her jacket makes this playful echo of the triangular shape between her eyebrows and nose. Maybe the artist noticed this, or maybe I’m just projecting. Either way, it’s a reminder that art is often about finding connections, making sense of the world through unexpected relationships. This portrait reminds me of the quiet dignity in the photos of Judith Joy Ross, especially her portraits of children. Ultimately, art is a conversation, a way of seeing and being seen, and in this portrait, Ma Tobben is very much present, still looking back at us across time.