Portret van een vrouw c. 1866 - 1868

Henri Pronk captured this portrait of a woman using the 19th-century technique of Carte de Visite photography. These small, easily reproducible images gained popularity as visiting cards and keepsakes. Looking at this portrait, one considers the role of women in the 1800s. The woman's reserved posture, coupled with her modest attire, speaks volumes about the expectations placed on women during this time. The tight bun and stern side profile suggest a demeanor of restraint, which was congruent with the period’s perception of ideal femininity. But photography was new, and this also gave people the ability to represent themselves how they wanted to be seen. This image is not just a depiction of an individual, but a reflection of broader cultural norms and values. The emotional weight lies in understanding the tension between personal identity and societal expectations.