Groepsportret van Tine, Sophie, David en Bram Vermeulen aan de ontbijttafel, Königswinter c. 1895 - 1905

This is a vintage photograph by David Vermeulen, capturing Tine, Sophie, David, and Bram Vermeulen at breakfast in Königswinter. The composition, symmetrical and static, initially presents a straightforward family portrait, yet its sepia tones and noticeable overexposure complicate this reading, lending the scene an ethereal quality. The subjects are arranged behind a table, their features softly blurred, which flattens the image and minimizes depth. The tonal range, restricted by the photographic process of its time, creates a visual field where light and shadow are ambiguously defined. This manipulation of light destabilizes the conventional function of portraiture, challenging its ability to definitively capture and represent reality. Consider how the photograph, through its formal qualities, moves beyond simple representation, reflecting the transient nature of memory itself. The softness of the image and the lack of clear detail invite a reflection on how we perceive and interpret visual information, suggesting that meaning is not inherent, but constructed.