Acht portretten van onbekende vrouwen before 1900

These eight photographic portraits of unknown women were made by Gebr. Lützel in Munich, sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. During this era, photography studios flourished, providing access to portraiture for a growing middle class. These images offer a glimpse into the ways women presented themselves, and were represented, at the time. The women's elaborate hairstyles and fashionable clothing indicate a certain level of affluence. We don't know their names or stories, but we can imagine them as part of a burgeoning class of women, claiming their place in society. Consider how the male gaze might have influenced their poses and expressions. Are they empowered, or are they conforming to societal expectations? The ambiguity in their faces invites us to reflect on the complex interplay between identity, representation, and social context. What does it mean to see, and to be seen?