Portret van onbekende vrouw 1838

This is a portrait of an unknown woman, made by Christian Heinrich Gottlieb Steuerwald. The elaborate bonnet and the dark bow tie, symbols of modesty and social standing, are motifs deeply embedded in the cultural memory of the 19th century. The bonnet, initially a symbol of purity and virtue, evolved from simple head coverings to ornate displays of wealth and status. Think of similar head coverings in Dutch Golden Age paintings—they reappear across time, in different guises, each era imbuing them with new meanings, yet always anchored to the collective subconscious. The bow tie, a more subdued symbol, suggests order and decorum, recalling the strict social codes of the time. These aren't mere fashion statements, but rather, vessels carrying the hopes, fears, and societal expectations of an age. The image, therefore, is a powerful vortex of symbols that continue to resonate.