Portret van Tine Boerma 1886 - 1896

Godfried de Jong, a royal court photographer, captured this image of Tine Boerma using photographic paper. This portrait offers a glimpse into the rigid societal norms of the time. Boerma's posture and attire reflect the era’s emphasis on propriety and social status. The child’s reserved demeanor speaks to the expectations placed on young girls within 19th-century Dutch society, where innocence and obedience were highly valued. The photograph also reveals nuances of class and gender. As a young girl she’s captured in a staged, formal setting that speaks to her family's social standing. The accoutrements serve to reinforce gendered and class-based expectations. Consider how photography like this was not merely a recording device, but a tool for constructing and reinforcing social identities. Think about how the act of posing, the choice of clothing, and the formal composition all contributed to a narrative of idealized femininity and social decorum.