Photo Frames 1880 - 1900

This photograph was made by E. v.d. Kerkhoff. Although it is undated, it comes to us from a time when photography was becoming more accessible, and when family photos were important markers of social status. The children in the photo are formally dressed, but their expressions suggest an ambivalence about the camera. In many ways, the image reflects the social structures of the time, where the family and the portrayal of an ideal family life, were becoming increasingly important. It may also speak to the institutional history of photography itself. Photographic studios were on the rise, creating a new market for professional portraiture. As historians, we can delve deeper into understanding this photograph by researching the photographer, the subjects, and the cultural context in which it was made. By understanding the social and institutional context, we can truly appreciate this intimate glimpse into the past.