Groepsportret van de Familie Wesenhagen-Loth in Den Haag 1898

This is an undated photograph of the Wesenhagen-Loth family in The Hague, taken by an anonymous photographer. The portrait captures a moment of familial connection and hints at the complexities of identity in the late 19th or early 20th century. Note the presence of several individuals of color within the family. Their inclusion challenges conventional narratives of European families of the time and invites us to consider the intersections of race, class, and belonging. In what ways did the family members navigate their identities within a society marked by colonialism and racial prejudice? This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the diverse stories hidden within the archives of history. It asks us to reflect on the human capacity to form bonds that transcend social constructs, and prompts us to ask questions about identity, difference and representation.