Portret van twee onbekende meisjes 1886 - 1920

Koene & Büttinghausen produced this portrait of two unknown girls, using gelatin silver print. This photograph presents us with a glimpse into Dutch society of the late 19th or early 20th century. The choice to portray children, and the style in which they are depicted, speaks volumes about the evolving social values of the time. The meticulous detail and formal composition suggest a culture that placed high value on presentation and social standing. We see two young girls adorned in delicate lace collars, a subtle indicator of a certain level of affluence. The setting is simple, yet the focus on the subjects' features implies an interest in individuality, an emerging trend in portraiture driven by the rising middle class and their desire for personalized representation. Understanding this photograph requires us to consider the burgeoning photography industry in the Netherlands during this period. It is only by delving into the archives, studying the social dynamics of the time, and exploring institutional records that we can truly appreciate the photograph.