Portret van een jongen, staand bij een tafel met een boek 1860 - 1900

This is a vintage portrait made by Jamin et Cie. The photograph captures a young boy standing beside a table with a book. The composition is striking in its balance and formality. The muted sepia tones lend a timeless quality, emphasizing the texture of the boy’s clothing and the polished surface of the table. The boy’s posture, with his hand resting gently on the book, exudes a sense of quiet confidence and poised innocence. The photograph functions as a cultural artifact, reflecting 19th-century values around childhood, education, and social decorum. The choice of placing the book prominently suggests an emphasis on knowledge and learning as key components of the boy's identity. The formal composition and attention to detail elevate the portrait beyond a simple depiction, inviting viewers to contemplate the sitter's place within a broader social and intellectual context. The photograph destabilizes any fixed notions of childhood. The boy appears self-possessed, embodying a blend of vulnerability and strength that remains open to ongoing interpretation.