Portret van een onbekende vrouw 1877 - 1897

This is an albumen print portrait of an unknown woman by Lodewijk Hendrikus Serré. The woman's severe dress and tightly wound hair tell a tale of social constraints, of the rigid morality of the late 19th century. Her gaze is direct, but consider the context. In ancient Roman portraiture, a direct gaze signified authority and power. Yet, here, it seems to betray a quiet defiance, a spark of individuality yearning to break free from societal norms. Think of the countless portraits throughout history where the sitter's eyes serve as windows to their soul. It's a powerful image, a testament to the enduring human spirit that seeks expression even within the confines of convention. This contrast engages us on a subconscious level, evoking a sense of empathy and a desire to understand the untold stories behind her eyes. The cyclical progression of portraits as a medium of self expression, shows the desire to break free from social norms as a recurring theme.