Rachel Aletrino-Mendes da Costa after 1891

Willem Witsen captured this image of Rachel Aletrino-Mendes da Costa using bromide silver print. Within the frame, Rachel’s expression is reserved, almost stoic, hinting at the weight of societal expectations placed on young women, especially within the context of marriage and identity. The floral headpiece and delicate veil, symbols of purity and new beginnings, contrast with the gravity of her gaze. Looking at this portrait, one wonders about Rachel's personal narrative. What dreams and aspirations might she have held beyond the traditional roles prescribed to her? How did she navigate the intersection of her identity and the societal expectations of the time? Witsen offers a glimpse into a life poised between tradition and the unspoken desires of an individual navigating her place in the world. Rachel's quiet intensity invites us to reflect on the untold stories of countless women whose lives were shaped by the currents of history and personal circumstance.