Portret van een moeder met zoon, beide met hoeden 1860 - 1900

J. Dawson captured this small portrait of a mother and son, both wearing hats, using an early photographic process. Though details about Dawson are scarce, the image speaks volumes about the societal expectations and gendered roles of the time. The mother, seated and formally dressed, embodies the Victorian ideal of domesticity. Her posture and attire reflect the constraints placed upon women. The son stands beside her, his hand casually resting on her shoulder, hinting at the dynamics of their relationship. He is positioned to be her protector, but the lack of a paternal figure invites questions. The photograph prompts us to consider the silent narratives of women and children. What were their lived experiences? What were their hopes for the future? This image stands as a reminder of the complex interplay between personal identity and societal expectations.