Portret van een vrouw met een baby op schoot c. 1860 - 1884

This is a portrait of a woman with a baby on her lap, made by Kannemans & Zoon. The photograph offers us a glimpse into the representation of motherhood in a specific historical context. In the Victorian era, motherhood was often idealized. Women were expected to embody virtues such as purity, selflessness, and domesticity. This photograph is a product of its time and is also a statement of class. The subjects are adorned in clothing that signifies wealth and status. However, the gaze of the woman feels distant, perhaps hinting at the complexities and emotional experiences of motherhood that are often left unseen. Ultimately, this photograph invites us to reflect on the narratives we construct around motherhood. It asks us to consider both the cultural expectations placed on women and the personal realities they navigate.