Portret van een onbekende vrouw op straat met hoed c. 1865 - 1900

Laurens Lodewijk Kleijn created this photograph of an unknown woman, sometime in the late 19th century. The photograph captures a woman in a formal dress and hat, standing on what appears to be a cobblestone street. Consider the social context of photography in the Netherlands at this time. As photography became more accessible, it also became a means for individuals to represent themselves and their social status. The woman’s formal attire and the outdoor setting suggest an effort to present a specific image to the public. Kleijn, as the photographer, played a role in shaping this representation. Was it his commission? Or was he subverting the conventions of portraiture? To fully understand this photograph, one must consider the role of photography in constructing social identities and the power dynamics between the photographer and the subject. By examining historical sources, such as period advertisements and social commentaries, we can gain insight into the cultural significance of this image and its place within the visual landscape of the time.