Portret van Guurtje van Leijden 1864 - 1869

Jan Breebaard made this small portrait of Guurtje van Leijden using photographic methods characteristic of the 19th century. Its monochrome palette and modest dimensions create an intimate viewing experience. The composition is structured around Guurtje's posed figure. She's framed by a studio backdrop that mimics an outdoor setting, complete with painted foliage and a patterned rug. Her dress, with its structured bodice and voluminous skirt, reflects the fashion norms of the period, underscoring a focus on formality and presentation. The light is evenly distributed, minimizing stark contrasts and emphasizing the textural qualities of the fabrics and the sitter's features. The portrait's formality invites us to consider the societal codes governing representation and identity during the era. The small scale suggests a personal keepsake, a token of memory, yet its adherence to conventions speaks to the broader cultural significance of portraiture. This tension—between the personal and the prescribed—highlights how photography functioned both as a means of individual expression and as a reflection of collective values.