Portret van Irene With 1920 - 1937

Curator: Looking at this early twentieth-century photograph, "Portret van Irene With," from somewhere between 1920 and 1937, I'm struck by the beautiful use of light and the textures. Editor: I'm immediately drawn in by her almost melancholic expression. It makes me wonder about her lived experiences in that period. What does it mean for a woman to be captured like this during such tumultuous times? Curator: From a material perspective, the photograph itself, especially an example like this from the Rijksmuseum’s collection, raises questions about photographic practices during the early to mid-20th century. Think of the labour and expertise to develop each plate, the limited copies, how special it must have been for both photographer and subject. Editor: Precisely, the sitter, Irene With, her closed eyes create such a powerful tension with the realism style of the portrait. Is she remembering? Or resisting? We have to remember that realism can often obscure its own artistry and reinforce dominant ideologies. How do the techniques of this photo intersect with broader societal perceptions of women and class during that era? Curator: Considering it, the textures really highlight the material qualities of her clothes, look closely. It is difficult to reproduce clothes like these; and the photograph memorializes an interesting labor of creating the garment that’s captured in its original making. Editor: It pushes me to consider the constraints and expectations placed upon her. Was she allowed agency in the process? How does this image resist or reinforce normative gender roles? Her headscarf feels deliberately chosen, whether to evoke a traditional style or make some sort of statement. Curator: Absolutely, seeing her in a material sense opens so many questions. This image really becomes a powerful visual document, hinting at broader issues surrounding representation and the labour involved. Editor: This photograph gives us a lot to unpack in its layers and nuances; let's make our visitors continue pondering the narrative!