Portret van een vrouw met hoed, staand bij een stoel 1860 - 1900

Antonin Žák created this small portrait of a woman with a hat, standing by a chair, using photography. Portraits like this provide us with a glimpse into the visual culture of the time. The woman’s elaborate dress and hat reflect the fashion of the period and her social standing, while the studio setting—indicated by the chair—reveals the formal nature of portrait photography. The details of her attire, from the lace at her wrists to the trim on her hat, speak to a culture deeply invested in visual markers of identity and status. The photograph, with its sepia tones and classical composition, invites us to consider how identity was carefully constructed and performed in the late 19th century. What narratives were women able to construct for themselves, and which were imposed? The visual constraints apparent in this photograph underscore questions about the role of women in society. This image acts as a poignant reminder of the individuals who navigated these complex social landscapes, each with their own stories and struggles.