Portret van een onbekend kind 1880 - 1900

This photograph of an unknown child is framed by Samson & Co., encircled by the motif of the daffodil, a flower steeped in symbolism across various cultures. The daffodil, often one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, is universally associated with rebirth and new beginnings. Yet, in some traditions, it carries a dual nature, also symbolizing unrequited love or vanity, echoing the myth of Narcissus. We find this flower depicted in various contexts throughout history. In ancient Rome, daffodils were scattered on tombs, reflecting a connection to the afterlife. This duality—rebirth and mortality—mirrors the complex emotions we often project onto images of children, symbolizing hope for the future tinged with the awareness of life’s fragility. The photograph itself freezes a moment in time, preserving youth. This image engages us on a deeper, subconscious level, resonating with our own memories and experiences. It acts as a mirror, reflecting our hopes, fears, and the ever-present awareness of time’s passage.