Portret van drie onbekende kinderen, waaronder mogelijk Tom en Paul Possibly 1903 - 1928

This portrait of three children, possibly named Tom and Paul, was produced by Koene & Co. in Batavia using photographic techniques. Photography was revolutionary; it democratized portraiture by offering affordable likenesses for a wider range of social classes than painting ever could. The sepia tones and slightly blurred details of the image speak to the particular chemical processes used in early photography. The children's formal attire, featuring delicate lace details, hints at the labor and skill involved in textile production. Beyond its artistic value, this photograph serves as a historical artifact, reflecting social dynamics and the increasing accessibility of image-making. It prompts us to consider the relationship between technological innovation, artistic expression, and shifting social structures. In this way, photography, like craft, is a profoundly social art form.