Portret van een onbekende vrouw c. 1865 - 1903

This photograph, by De Lavieter & Co. of La Haye, captures an unknown woman in a formal pose. The small size and card backing suggest it was produced as a carte-de-visite, popular in the mid to late 19th century. Photography in this era became a powerful tool for social representation. This woman's dress, adorned with elaborate embroidery, and the delicate lace at her wrists indicate a certain social standing. The "gothic" balustrade she leans on evokes romanticism and perhaps alludes to a family estate. The act of commissioning a portrait was itself a social ritual. These images were often exchanged and collected, solidifying social networks and projecting a desired image to the world. A careful study of fashion, photographic studio archives, and genealogical records could provide insights into the sitter’s identity and the broader social context of the photograph. The image serves as a window into the aspirations and social codes of its time.