Groepsportret van familie Van den Berg in de tuin before 1894

This is a photograph of the Van den Berg family in their garden, taken by Hendrik Herman van den Berg. The composition is rigidly structured. The family is arranged in two rows, creating a grid-like pattern with the table acting as a central anchor. This arrangement emphasizes the family's social structure, highlighting their roles and relationships within a formal setting. The monochrome palette, combined with the natural lighting, creates a subdued and timeless atmosphere. The formal poses and the symmetrical composition suggest a desire to present a composed image of family unity and societal respectability. This rigidity may reflect the social norms and values during the time the photograph was taken. The backdrop of the garden, while natural, is also meticulously arranged, reinforcing the controlled and ordered nature of the image. The careful arrangement and formal elements convey a sense of order and stability. The photograph's aesthetic and structural elements offer insight into the values and cultural codes of the time.