Portret van een baby, liggend op een gehaakt kleed 1857 - 1864

This photograph by Louis Wegner captures a baby on a crocheted blanket, a charming scene rendered through the emerging technology of photography. The image is modest in scale, reflecting the intimacy of the subject and the era's photographic practices. Focusing on the crocheted blanket, we see a textile made through a labor-intensive process, transforming simple yarn into a complex, patterned surface. Crochet, a craft often associated with domesticity and women’s work, adds a layer of social context to the photograph. The blanket’s texture, weight, and form, all shaped by the crocheting process, provide a soft and comforting support for the infant, who is also wearing a crocheted bonnet. Wegner’s choice to include this handcrafted element elevates it beyond mere background, suggesting its value as a treasured, handmade object. In doing so, the photograph bridges the gap between the fine art of photography and the everyday craft of crochet, prompting us to reconsider traditional hierarchies of art and labor. Understanding the materials and making behind this image enriches our appreciation, revealing the cultural significance embedded within its composition.