Peronne en Stand Arntzenius c. 1860 - 1915

Willem Witsen created this photograph titled 'Peronne en Stand Arntzenius'. Witsen, born in 1860 into a wealthy family, had the privilege to engage with the arts and intellectual circles of his time, yet he was very much a part of the Tachtigers, a Dutch artistic movement which reacted against the stuffy conventions of the establishment. Here, in this intimate portrait, we see Peronne, likely a beloved pet, alongside a standing figure identified as Arntzenius. The subjects are presented without theatricality. The somewhat faded quality of the photograph lends an ethereal quality to the figures, blurring the lines between presence and memory. The stillness of the subjects, with Peronne calmly seated and Arntzenius standing, invites a quiet contemplation. It emphasizes the value of unpretentious, everyday moments. Witsen’s work often captured the emotional resonance of ordinary life. It allows us to reflect on the quiet moments of connection and companionship.