Portret van Elisabeth in Beieren 1867 - 1880

Othmar van Türk captured this portrait of Elisabeth in Beieren using photographic techniques common at the time. Known as Empress Sisi, Elisabeth of Austria was more than a royal figure; she was an icon, a symbol of beauty, and a woman trapped by the rigid expectations of her time. This portrait offers a glimpse into the life of a woman who, despite her privilege, battled against the constraints of her position. Consider her disinterest in courtly life, she rather devoted herself to travel and personal passions. What do you think about the look in her eyes? Does it convey a sense of melancholy or defiance? How might her personal struggles and unconventional choices resonate with contemporary discussions around gender roles and identity? This image prompts us to reflect on the burdens of power, and the complex interplay between public image and private self.