Rijtuig met de familie Vermeulen richting Bad Honnef c. 1895 - 1905

This photograph captures the Vermeulen family in their horse-drawn carriage on their way to Bad Honnef, as documented by David Vermeulen. The sepia tones and the formality of the attire suggest a moment frozen in time, likely from the late 19th or early 20th century. What interests me most is the way that the photograph speaks to the experience of bourgeois life, as the family takes leisure in a carriage ride. This scene evokes questions about the realities of leisure and privilege, and how these were visually represented and consumed. In this context, photography served not just as a means of documentation but also as a tool for constructing and reinforcing social identities. The image creates a narrative around class, mobility, and family life, which both reflects and shapes societal values. Photographs such as this offer a glimpse into the past, inviting reflection on how social structures and personal histories intertwine.