Willem Witsen en Marie Witsen op gala-avond (San Francisco) c. 1860 - 1915

Cardinell-Vincent Co captured this photograph, “Willem Witsen en Marie Witsen op gala-avond (San Francisco),” documenting a formal event. The image, now held at the Rijksmuseum, provides a glimpse into early 20th-century social gatherings, likely within a specific community or organization. The photograph is a visual document of its time, reflecting social hierarchies and cultural norms. The attire and setting suggest a privileged class, and it's important to consider the broader context of the era. Who was included in these gatherings, and who was excluded? How do such events shape and reflect social identities? What does it mean to see all these people together? The photograph opens a window into the past, inviting us to consider the complex interplay of identity, belonging, and social structures. We can think of these gatherings as places where social norms were not only performed, but also negotiated and contested.