Portret van een vrouw 1882 - 1914

Hendrik Jonker created this portrait of a woman using photography sometime during his career, which spanned the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Jonker was working in a period of rapid industrialization and urbanization in the Netherlands. Photography was becoming more accessible, yet portraiture remained largely the domain of the middle and upper classes. The woman's attire and composed demeanor suggest she occupied a certain social position. What does it mean to witness the gaze of a woman from over a century ago? The photograph offers a tangible connection to the past, inviting us to consider the lives and experiences of women during this transformative period. It’s a challenge to consider the complex interplay of gender, class, and representation in shaping both the image and the woman’s identity. This photograph encourages reflection on the narratives we construct about the past and the importance of recognizing the diverse experiences of individuals who have shaped our world.