Portret van een jongen, gekleed als matroos 1890 - 1900

This small photographic print shows a young boy dressed in a sailor suit, captured by J. Siewers & Zoon. The image speaks to the rise of photography studios catering to a burgeoning middle class, eager to document their lives and aspirations. Sailor suits, popularized by royal children, became a common fashion for boys, reflecting a broader cultural fascination with maritime power and exploration. The studio backdrop and careful posing indicate a desire to present a respectable image, reinforcing social norms of childhood innocence and parental pride. Was this an attempt to instill values of discipline and service through the symbolism of naval attire? Understanding this image requires delving into fashion history, the evolution of photographic practices, and the social values of the time. Only then can we appreciate its significance as a window into a specific moment in Dutch history.