Portret van een meisje 1898 - 1901

Curator: Looking at this little scene, there’s an overwhelming sense of gentle, innocent peace. Almost a dreamy sort of sentimentality, isn't it? Editor: Yes, it's rather idyllic! This is a photographic portrait from between 1898 and 1901, believed to be by the Dutch artist Jan Anthonie Eelsingh. It's titled “Portret van een meisje,” which simply translates to “Portrait of a girl.” Curator: Except there are two girls… siblings perhaps? Sitting on what looks like a fur rug. The slightly older girl has this knowing little smile, almost as if she’s aware she’s being watched or immortalized, even. And she is holding flowers... Editor: Flowers are powerful symbols, they are so ephemeral but can signify all manner of cultural attitudes to beauty and mortality. There’s also something enduring about portraits. The artist uses them to speak of social position or a certain idea of beauty. The two subjects have bright clothes that stand out in contrast to the image tone, giving the shot its charm. Curator: And, of course, photography was gaining popularity at the turn of the century. Capturing reality in a tangible, almost magical way! There's such a delicate quality in the image. You almost want to climb inside and give them both a hug. I want to say that it has to do with the lightness, it is a soft, almost diffused photograph that exudes happiness. The outfits speak of simple joy. Editor: But think about the weight this portrait also bears, it’s capturing a specific historical and technological moment, while at the same time the very human desire to record and commemorate—to cheat the fleeting nature of childhood and time. Curator: Absolutely! The longing... the knowledge that these small joys don't last forever. These details speak softly but intensely about our perception of time. Editor: A touching reminder, then, of how visual echoes can amplify both our sense of history and of the present moment, it lets us linger a bit longer in the sunlight with those girls.