Dubbelportret van Adeh en Lotty van Braam 1890

Carel Eduard Westerborg captured this double portrait of Adeh and Lotty van Braam using an albumen print, a popular photographic process of the late 19th century. The photograph offers a glimpse into the constructed world of childhood, and the performance of identity within the confines of bourgeois society. The subjects, dressed in elaborate matching outfits, complete with bonnets, are posed formally, reflecting the era's emphasis on decorum. Yet, there is also an undeniable vulnerability in their expressions, hinting at the complexities of childhood experiences. Consider how gender and class intersect here. The girls' attire signifies their family’s affluence, but also the restrictive expectations placed on young women. Their clothing and pose speak to the cultural values of the time, where children were often seen as miniature adults, their individuality suppressed by societal norms. The image, while seemingly a simple portrait, encapsulates broader themes of identity formation, social expectations, and the nuanced experiences of childhood.