Portret van een onbekend bruidspaar c. 1888 - 1913

This is a small photographic print of an unknown bridal couple by Henricus Jacobus Tollens. The black and white tones place us in a world where the visual language of photography was still quite novel. Consider the ritual of marriage at this time. For women, marriage was a primary marker of social status and identity, often defining their roles within society. The bride's white dress, a symbol of purity and new beginnings, speaks volumes about the cultural expectations placed upon women. The groom, in his formal attire, represents a protector and provider, reinforcing traditional gender roles. Although we don't know their stories, their expressions are a window into the past, inviting us to reflect on the hopes, dreams, and societal pressures they carried on their wedding day. This image serves as a mirror, reflecting both the enduring nature of love and the evolving landscape of gender and identity.