Portret van een vrouw c. 1860 - 1865

This photograph by J. Korsten captures a woman in a dress decorated with triangle motifs, a shape charged with symbolism across cultures. In ancient Egypt, the triangle pointing upwards represented fire, aspiration, and the male principle, while inverted, it symbolized water, the subconscious, and the feminine. Here, the triangles appear symmetrical, perhaps signifying a balance or harmony the subject aspires to. We see the recurrence of the triangle in diverse contexts, from Gothic architecture reaching towards the divine, to the alchemical symbols representing the elements. This shape echoes through time, carrying layers of meaning, consciously or unconsciously influencing our perception. Consider how the collective memory of these symbols might affect our interpretation of the woman’s character – her aspirations, her inner world, and her place within the social structures of her time. Symbols are the lifeblood of culture. They demonstrate our shared human experience passed down through generations.