Nederlands familiealbum met dertig foto's 1860 - 1900

This is an anonymous Dutch family album with thirty photographs. In previous centuries, portraits were the domain of the wealthy, but this album hints at a shift. As photography became more accessible, so did the ability to preserve and share images of loved ones. This album represents a growing middle class in the Netherlands, eager to adopt new technologies and emulate the customs of the elite. The family who owned this album carefully curated their image, selecting which members to include and how they would be presented. Historians can learn much from these albums. By studying the clothing, hairstyles, and settings in the photographs, we can gain insight into the social norms and values of the time. Genealogists can trace family histories and uncover stories that might otherwise be lost. The album reminds us that even seemingly mundane objects can offer valuable perspectives on the past and on the social conditions that shape our world.