Witte katoenen onderbroek met korte pijpen voor kind c. 1900

This is a pair of short, white cotton underpants for a child, made by Jansen & Tilanus. The stark whiteness of the cotton, reminiscent of purity and innocence, is a powerful symbol deeply rooted in our collective psyche. We can trace it back to ancient civilizations where white robes signified cleanliness and virtue. Think of the Vestal Virgins of Rome, whose white garments symbolized their sacred vows. The simplicity of these underpants, almost monastic in its plainness, also evokes a sense of vulnerability and exposure. Consider the symbolic act of stripping naked, a gesture of utter surrender or honesty, found in religious purification rituals as well as psychoanalytic sessions. The stains marring the pristine fabric disrupt its flawless perfection, hinting at the messy realities of childhood. These stains, remnants of play and exploration, remind us that innocence is not merely an absence of experience, but a journey through life's unavoidable imperfections. This garment serves as a poignant memento of time and the cyclical nature of life.