Portret van een jongen en een meisje, hand in hand 1860 - 1900

Henri Griottier captured this portrait of a young boy and girl, hand in hand, likely in the late 19th century. Griottier was active during a time when photography was increasingly accessible. Here, we witness a moment of familial connection, yet it’s also important to consider the social and cultural scripts these children are performing. The children’s clothing speaks to the sartorial codes of the era. The boy, in his tailored suit, is a picture of burgeoning masculinity, while the girl in her dress, represents emerging femininity. Their clasped hands might symbolize sibling affection but also hint at the societal expectations of male protection and female dependence. In a world where portraiture was often reserved for the elite, this image offers an intimate glimpse into childhood and family dynamics, rendered with a tenderness that transcends time.