Portret van een onbekende baby, vermoedelijk een meisje c. 1892 - 1906

This photographic print of an unknown baby, presumably a girl, was created by Machiel Hendricus Laddé in Amsterdam. Although undated, we can safely assume this photograph was taken at the turn of the century, given Laddé's active period. At this time, photography studios flourished, democratizing portraiture for the rising middle classes. This image, with its formal composition and attention to detail, speaks to the cultural value placed on childhood and family. The baby's ornate dress and the plush setting indicate a certain level of affluence, reflecting the social aspirations of the sitter's family. However, the anonymity of the subject also highlights the broader social dynamics at play. It serves as a reminder of the countless unrecorded lives that constitute the fabric of history. To further understand this image, we would need to delve into the social history of photography in the Netherlands, examining studio practices, the representation of children, and the role of portraiture in constructing identity. This image reminds us that art is always a product of its time, shaped by social forces and institutional structures.