Drie portretten van vrouwen, onder wie Maria Marville 1900 - 1930

Editor: So, this is a gelatin silver print, titled *Three Portraits of Women, including Maria Marville*, by Ch. Reutlinger, made sometime between 1900 and 1930. I find it striking how intimate and almost wistful the portraits feel, especially with that soft focus. What catches your eye when you look at this piece? Curator: You know, it's funny, but my gaze is drawn to the props and costumes – the gate, the furs, even the flowers – little stages they built for themselves. Each woman seems to be performing a version of femininity, a dance between the public and the private self. Does that resonate with you? Editor: I see what you mean! It’s like they are presenting an ideal… were these popular conventions for portraits at the time? Curator: Absolutely! Think about pictorialism, the art of making photographs resemble paintings or drawings. This aesthetic allowed people to express their creativity, to give more than just information; their individual impressions. And the choice of a gelatin silver print allowed a soft, painterly effect, heightening this impression. Don’t you agree? Editor: It does make it look like something in between painting and reality, as though in a dream… Curator: Exactly! It's fascinating to think about what they were trying to capture and convey beyond just their likeness. It makes you wonder about their personal narratives too, doesn't it? What were their hopes, what were their loves? What did their laughter sound like? Editor: Absolutely, it almost makes me want to write stories about them. This was really enlightening; it has deepened my appreciation for these women and the artistry behind capturing their likeness in such a painterly manner. Curator: Same here. It’s easy to dismiss them as just “old photos,” but there are entire universes waiting to be discovered!