Drie kuikens voor een houten wand met bloeiende bloesem 1900 - 1930

Richard Tepe made this photograph of three chicks in front of a wooden wall with blossoming flowers in the late 19th or early 20th century. While this image may seem straightforward, it embodies concepts of rural domesticity and national identity that were gaining traction in the Netherlands at the time. The blossoming flowers evoke a sense of natural beauty, celebrating the Dutch landscape. The chicks can be seen as symbols of new life, aligning with the broader cultural emphasis on family values and the agrarian lifestyle. Tepe worked for a photography company that produced scenic views that could be sold as postcards, and he became a member of the The Hague amateur photography club. These institutions shaped the aesthetics of photography and its engagement with national identity. Exploring photographic archives and the history of Dutch amateur photography can offer insight into the cultural values and historical context that shaped this seemingly simple yet evocative image.