Portret van een kleine jongen c. 1912 - 1917

This small photograph of a boy was produced by American Automatic Fotografie. The company reflects the early 20th century’s fascination with new technologies and the democratization of portraiture. Though modest in scale, this image speaks volumes about social and cultural shifts. The ‘American’ in the company name suggests the embrace of American modernity, while the ‘Automatic’ hints at the allure of mass production and efficiency. Yet the photograph also bears the mark of its specific time and place. The text at the bottom reveals the location: Nieuwendijk 151, likely a street address in the Netherlands. The boy's formal attire, complete with a buttoned jacket, contrasts with the informality suggested by his hand casually tucked into his pocket. As historians, we delve into archives, advertisements, and business records to understand the context of such images. What was the appeal of American-style photography in Europe? How did these automated studios change the way people saw themselves and their place in society? This photograph then, becomes a window into a world where technology, commerce, and identity intersect.