Portret van een onbekend meisje naast een stoel 1892 - 1909

This cabinet card portrays an unknown girl next to a chair by Marthe Ordinaire. In the late 19th century, photography gained traction as a means to capture and preserve images of loved ones, and to document societal norms and expectations. The girl's traditional attire is likely specific to a region or cultural group, with the headdress and apron indicating a particular identity and place within the community. The photograph provides a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people, reflecting the prevailing social customs and gender roles of the time. The girl's reserved posture and gaze, combined with the presence of the chair as a prop, evoke a sense of formality. Despite the staged setting, one gets a sense of the individual personality and experiences of the sitter, inviting us to reflect on the lives and stories of those who often go unnoticed in the grand narratives of history.