Fotoalbum van Charlotte Boelen-Matthes 1911 - 1926

Curator: This is a photo album that belonged to Charlotte Boelen-Matthes. It contains albumen prints dating from around 1911 to 1926. Editor: Well, the first thing that strikes me is how well-loved this album looks. The worn edges and faded cover tell a story all their own, even before we peek inside. It almost feels… fragile. Curator: Absolutely. As a physical object, it reflects a specific era. The style of the cover, the typography, and even the types of photographic prints all speak to the aesthetic and social values of the early 20th century. What can it tell us, say, about the role of women and the making of family narratives during this period? Editor: It makes me wonder about the hands that turned these pages, the laughter and stories shared as these images were looked at. Were they recording posed portraits, documenting big social events or snippets from quiet everyday lives? Each photo would have a little story and some photos are almost coloured in. Curator: Indeed, the inclusion of hand-coloured details suggests a personalized touch. Think about how that intentional embellishment invites discourse around gender roles and the feminized practice of arts and crafts. It’s important to acknowledge, though, that albumen prints were a commercially produced product; even these hand-done modifications have to be examined carefully within that socioeconomic framework. Editor: See, I find it hard to analyze it coldly like that! To me, these little coloured bits are so human; some sweet expression that says so much. This album isn’t just documents or facts, but fragments from real lived life, curated carefully. It feels special. Curator: Agreed. By approaching the artifact from various perspectives, we get a nuanced glimpse into both the past and present. How it has survived, and what it represents as well as the intentions around why and how it was initially created are interesting ideas. Editor: Exactly! It’s like time travel. What stories lie within this red photo album? That’s the fun of history, isn’t it?