Portret van een zittende jonge Chinese vrouw 1860 - 1885

This is a photographic portrait of a young Chinese woman, made by Raimund von Stillfried. The subdued palette gives the image an antique quality, while the woman’s direct gaze evokes a sense of quiet dignity. Notice how the composition is carefully constructed around a play of textures and patterns. The soft, flowing lines of her robe contrast with the intricate embroidery of her skirt, creating a visual rhythm that guides the eye. The fans she holds, with their delicate floral motifs, act as semiotic devices. They hint at themes of femininity and cultural refinement, framed within the broader context of 19th-century Orientalism. The backdrop, with its blurred suggestion of classical architecture, places her in a space that is neither fully Western nor traditionally Eastern. This ambiguity reflects the complex interplay of cultural exchange during this period. Ultimately, it prompts us to consider how representations of identity can be constructed and interpreted through the formal elements of portraiture.