Portret van twee meisjes met dwerggroei 1860 - 1880

This is a portrait of two young girls with dwarfism, made by P. Siewers & Zoon. During this time, medical conditions were often viewed through a lens of curiosity and objectification. The girls are dressed in matching outfits, reinforcing a sense of uniformity while also highlighting their distinct identities. How might these girls have understood themselves, within the confines of societal expectations and personal experiences? The act of holding hands suggests a bond, a shared understanding, and perhaps a mutual support system in a world that may not have always been accepting. The backdrop, though simple, hints at a constructed environment, a stage where these girls are both subjects and performers. This portrait invites us to consider the complexities of representation and the power dynamics inherent in the act of looking. What does it mean to see and be seen, especially when one's body is perceived as different or unusual?