Portret van een baby op stoel 1879 - 1881

Curator: Here we have a photographic portrait by Dirk Niekerk, made sometime between 1879 and 1881. It's titled “Portret van een baby op stoel” – Portrait of a Baby in a Chair. Editor: It's incredibly precious, though the tonal range is limited by the photographic technology of the time, focusing all attention on this adorable baby's face. The simple studio setup also heightens the subject. Curator: Early photographic portraiture was greatly influenced by class and social norms. A studio visit was a status symbol and became more widespread with increased economic prosperity during the Industrial Revolution. Think of the social pressure on parents wanting to show off their child's well being through garments and a paid-for portrait. Editor: You can also feel the formal studio tradition at work with the pose. However, notice the delightful use of white tones here, the cascading textures and almost ruff-like lace collar contrasting sharply with the darkness of the background, yet balanced carefully with the circular soft base of the pouf upon which the baby sits. Curator: It really does capture an aspirational image. These objects—the ornate clothing, the padded seat—all signified wealth and stability in a period of immense social change, solidifying Niekerk's status. Editor: Agreed, there is definitely a message being sent with the photograph itself, and there is much symbolism here too. If we read semiotically, one can interpret the softness of the fabrics to imply childhood fragility. There are many opposing qualities here and it's clear there's a great tension being communicated through compositional structure and contrasts alone. Curator: Looking at photographs like this gives us a fascinating peek into the past, reminding us about how perceptions and class distinctions have played out. Editor: Precisely, although now I have to concede it's the subject itself, which completely moves and captivates me still.