Portret van twee onbekende kinderen 1886 - 1887

Friedrich Carel Hisgen created this photographic portrait of two unknown children, capturing their innocence in a way that transcends time. Notice the gesture of the arm draped over the other's shoulder, a symbol of familial affection and protection. This motif echoes through art history, appearing in Roman portraiture to Renaissance paintings, each time adapted to the cultural nuances of the era. Consider, for instance, how the classical sculptures of embracing figures, such as Cupid and Psyche, convey a similar bond, yet laden with eroticism, a far cry from this fraternal embrace. The unconscious desire for connection manifests here, reflecting a collective memory of needing and offering comfort. This simple yet powerful gesture taps into our deepest psychological states. Perhaps the children's somber expressions evoke a sense of melancholy, a universal human emotion that connects us across generations. The image acts as a mirror, reflecting our own experiences of childhood bonds and the ever-evolving dance of love and protection.