Portret van Fritz, Alice en Emmy Orsbach 1885 - 1903

Henri Schüren captured this image of Fritz, Alice, and Emmy Orsbach using photographic methods common for portraiture at the time. Here, we see a bourgeois family adhering to the customs of representation of their era. The photograph provides insight into the cultural values and social structures that shaped their lives. The strict poses and formal attire offer a glimpse into their aspirations and identities. The photograph reflects the gender roles of the time, with the father seated and seemingly holding power, the mother standing stoically behind, and the child embodying innocence and obedience. Consider how the lack of dynamism may reflect the restrained emotional landscape of the time. Look at the way the subjects’ gazes and the photographer's decisions create a narrative. This family portrait offers a tangible connection to the past. It highlights the dynamic interplay between personal identity and social norms, then and now.