Portret van een jonge vrouw 1843 - 1872

This is a delicate etching of a young woman, created by Philippus Anthonius Alexander Kanne. The woman's downward gaze speaks of introspection, a motif found echoed in countless portraits throughout history. Observe how the corseted bodice, a symbol of restraint and societal expectation, contrasts with the soft, flowing sleeves. This tension evokes a feeling of suppressed emotion, a common theme in depictions of women across various eras. Consider how similar constraints have appeared in different forms, in varying cultural contexts. Think of the bound feet of Chinese women. This desire for control, for adhering to a standard, is ingrained in our collective memory, emerging time and again. This image stirs within us a recognition of the quiet struggles and unspoken sentiments that have shaped the lives of women, engaging us on a deeply subconscious level. This cultural memory persists, reappearing and evolving in response to ever-changing social currents.