Fotoalbum van Carolina (Loentje) Onnen 1912 - 1913

Editor: This is a photograph of Carolina Onnen’s photo album cover, dating from 1912 to 1913. It's got a beautifully rendered drawing, maybe in coloured pencil, of a bird encircled by flowers. It really evokes a sense of delicate craftsmanship. What jumps out at you when you look at this album cover? Curator: What immediately strikes me is the strong influence of the Arts and Crafts movement. The album cover’s design, with its stylized bird and floral motif, speaks to the movement's emphasis on handcrafted quality and the integration of art into everyday life. Consider how this aesthetic challenged the mass-produced, industrial designs of the time, advocating for a return to traditional craftsmanship. Editor: That's fascinating. I can see the rejection of industrial aesthetics now. What do you think about the function of such an album at that time? Curator: Albums like this were more than just repositories of memories. They were carefully curated expressions of identity and social standing. The very act of commissioning such a personalized cover suggests a certain level of cultural awareness and possibly a critique of the commercial photography prevalent at the time. The aesthetic choices say quite a lot about Onnen’s artistic inclinations. Editor: So, the cover is not just decorative, it's a statement? Curator: Exactly. It’s a deliberate articulation of values through a visual medium, and these handcrafted touches stood in stark contrast to prevailing consumer culture of the period. Did albums function like early versions of our Instagrams or Facebook? It begs that question. Editor: That's a really interesting point! Seeing it in the context of the Arts and Crafts movement and considering its function as a social statement really enriches the way I perceive this object. Curator: Absolutely. It reminds us how seemingly simple objects can be powerful cultural artifacts. The design elements reflected aspirations and societal engagement of the owner.