Portret van een zittende vrouw Possibly 1854 - 1856

Charles Reutlinger created this portrait of a seated woman, using a photographic process, sometime in the mid-19th century. It speaks volumes about the social and cultural position of women during that era. The woman's attire, her posture, and even the book in her hand, all serve as visual cues about her status and role within society. The image operates within a matrix of social expectations tied to gender. Made in France, a nation undergoing significant social and political shifts at the time, this portrait reflects the values and norms of the bourgeoisie. The woman's reserved demeanor, combined with her elegant dress, suggests a certain level of education, refinement, and adherence to social conventions. How might new and emerging social institutions like finishing schools have contributed to the cultural importance of these kinds of visual markers? To fully understand the portrait, one might delve into fashion trends, gender politics, and the rise of photography as a means of representation. This requires us, as historians, to contextualize the work, and to draw upon a range of documentary sources.