De 'jaja', de kinderjuffrouw van de familie Wesenhagen, de 'nenne' 1900 - 1920

This photograph, made by an anonymous photographer, captures De 'jaja', a beloved nanny of the Wesenhagen family. The image, rendered in soft monochrome, offers a study in pattern and form. What strikes me is the way her dress and headscarf, both adorned with similar floral motifs, create a visual rhythm. The photograph's texture is smooth. You can almost feel the cool surface of the print. Look at the subtle gradations of tone, the way the light catches the folds of her clothing. Then look at the column. A dark patch reveals a mark that has aged over time. It’s like a tiny abstract painting, full of incident and surprise. This unknown photographer's work resonates with artists like Catherine Opie, who also use portraiture to explore themes of identity and community. Ultimately, this photograph is an invitation to reflect on the stories we tell about ourselves and others, and the ways in which those stories are shaped by time and circumstance.