Nieuwjaarswens met ovaal portret van een onbekend meisje c. 1879 - 1920

This New Year's greeting card with an oval portrait of an unknown girl was created by an anonymous artist. The image presents us with questions about social history and cultural values. This card, with its delicate portrait and ornate border, speaks volumes about the culture of gift-giving and social etiquette. Although we don't know when and where it was made, the style of the portrait and the sentiment "Wishing you a Happy New Year" evokes the late nineteenth century. The image invites us to consider the rise of sentimentalism, the growth of the printing industry, and the changing roles of women in society. The girl's fashionable attire and idealized features reflect prevailing beauty standards. The act of sending such a card implies a certain level of literacy and disposable income. To fully understand its meaning, we might consult historical archives, fashion magazines, and etiquette guides. Ultimately, this card reminds us that art is not created in a vacuum. It reflects and shapes the social and institutional contexts in which it exists.