Familieportret van een staande man, een zittende vrouw en een staande jongen 1880 - 1920

This is a portrait photograph by Hedvig Rosendahl, who lived between 1867 and 1929, likely made using a gelatin silver process on paper, a technique that allowed for mass reproduction. The very act of creating this portrait is imbued with social significance. By the late 19th century, photography had become more accessible, yet still carried a certain weight. Unlike a quick snapshot today, posing for such a formal portrait would have been a considered, perhaps rare, event. The family's clothing is also very telling. The cut of their garments, the fabrics chosen, and the overall formality speak to the status and aspirations of the sitters. The fact that they chose to be captured in this way, adopting specific poses and expressions, reflects prevailing social norms and ideals. While the photograph itself may seem simple, it is actually loaded with cultural information. The image has a material presence.