Portret van een onbekende vrouw, zittend aan tafel 1864 - 1880

This is a portrait of an unknown woman, made by Johannes Hinderikus Egenberger. Portraits like these offer a glimpse into the cultural and social landscape of the time. During the 19th century, portraiture became increasingly accessible. This democratization allowed a broader spectrum of society to participate in image-making, yet conventions around gender, class, and race still heavily influenced who was depicted and how. In this portrait, the sitter's identity remains a mystery. We can only deduce aspects of her life from her attire and pose, which speak to societal expectations of women during this era. Her reserved demeanor and formal dress suggest a desire to conform to the era's ideals of femininity and respectability. Yet, who was she beyond these conventions? What were her dreams, ambitions, and lived experiences? Perhaps this photograph can serve as a starting point for us to consider the untold stories of countless women who shaped the world, whose names have been lost to history.