Portret van een onbekende jongen met rugtas before 1901

This photogravure of an unknown boy with a backpack was made by Ch. Sweet and published in Germany. Images like this give us insight into the social and cultural history of education and childhood in Germany at the time. The boy's clothes and backpack suggest a working-class background. This image creates meaning through visual codes and historical associations that reference cultural values. Photography was not just a medium for capturing images, but also a tool that reflected and shaped social attitudes towards children. By studying such portraits, we can learn about the power dynamics between photographers, subjects, and viewers. The meaning of the artwork lies in understanding its social and institutional context. Resources, such as historical archives and cultural studies, help us understand the complex relationship between art and the public role it plays.