Portret van een staande vrouw met hoed in de hand 1860 - 1894

This is a photograph, likely from the 19th century, by Ghémar Frères, portraying a standing woman holding a hat. The sepia tone creates a sense of historical distance, yet the composition is surprisingly intimate. The subject's dress and the backdrop work together to create a study in textures. Structurally, the image is divided into distinct zones. The dark, solid form of the woman's dress anchors the lower half, providing a stable base. The background, with its draped fabric, introduces a subtle play of light and shadow, adding depth to the scene. The woman's gaze meets ours directly, inviting interaction while simultaneously maintaining a sense of reserve. The hat she holds becomes a focal point, a kind of signifier of social identity. This small object encapsulates the semiotic richness of clothing. The way it's held, almost casually, speaks to the performance of femininity in the 19th century. The photograph remains an object of inquiry, inviting us to consider not just who is represented, but how representation itself functions within a specific cultural and historical context.