Portret van een onbekende vrouw, aangeduid als T. de Leur 1894 - 1917

This portrait of an unknown woman, possibly named T. de Leur, was captured by Chits & Fils, using photographic methods, at a time when capturing an image was a meticulous and celebrated craft. The sepia tones wash over everything, lending a soft, almost dreamlike quality to the scene. There’s a delicate balance between light and shadow that sculpts the woman’s face, accentuating her features. The texture is smooth, almost velvety, yet you can sense the intricate details of her dress and hair. Note the dark bow at her neck. It's a focal point, drawing your eye with its weight and presence, a counterpoint to the gentle diffusion of light elsewhere. This image makes me think of Nadar. Like his portraits, this one aims for something beyond surface likeness, delving into the essence of the sitter. It’s a reminder that art isn’t just about what you see, but how you see it, and what you bring to the act of looking.