Portret van een onbekende man en vrouw in een tuin c. 1865 - 1900

This photograph by Laurens Lodewijk Kleijn captures a man and a woman standing in what appears to be a garden. Note the hands on their waists: the gesture speaks of readiness and self-assurance. This stance isn't new; it’s an ancient declaration of presence and control echoed through statues of Roman emperors and Renaissance nobles alike. In each case, the body language conveys a sense of authority and poise. The image is also reminiscent of classical contrapposto, where the weight is shifted to one leg, creating a dynamic yet stable pose. Here, in this more recent, modern depiction, a similar psychological effect is achieved, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. As symbols, these gestures transcend mere representation, linking us to a continuum of cultural expression. The way we carry ourselves, rooted in the past, continues to resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings.