Portret van een zittende vrouw met muts, aangeduid als Neeltje van W. 1873 - 1892

This is a portrait of a seated woman with a bonnet, possibly named Neeltje van W., made by François Hermans. The absence of a date makes it difficult to place, but we can assume it was made sometime in the late 19th century, likely in the Netherlands, given the artist's biography and subject. The small photograph raises questions about the social and economic conditions that shaped its production. Was Neeltje wealthy enough to commission a portrait, or was this a personal project by the artist? Either way, the photograph encapsulates a time when photography was becoming more accessible, but still retained an aura of exclusivity. Further research into the social history of photography in the Netherlands would help us understand the role such images played in the construction of identity and memory. The image, and its context, reflect the broader social and institutional forces that shape artistic creation and reception.