Portret van een zittende vrouw 1860 - 1900

This is R. Griffiths' "Portret van een zittende vrouw," a portrait that captivates through its intimate scale and composition. The sepia tones and soft focus create an atmosphere of quiet introspection. The sitter is framed not only by the edges of the photograph, but also by an ornate, rectangular border. The velvety blacks of the woman’s dress contrast with the subtle gradations of the background, drawing our eye to her face and delicate hands. The image is a study in contrasts, where light and shadow play across the subject. Griffiths' work engages with the semiotics of portraiture, hinting at social status through pose and dress. Yet, the lack of vibrant color or overt symbolism invites us to look beyond surface readings. Instead, we’re left to contemplate the woman's presence and the quiet dignity that Griffiths captures. The softness of the image and the formal pose work together to create a timeless scene that continues to invite our observation and interpretation.