Groepsportret van zeven onbekende meisjes c. 1895 - 1900

This cyanotype, or blueprint, depicts a group portrait of seven girls by Frits Freerks Fontein Fz. At the time this image was made, photography was becoming more accessible, yet portraits remained a formal affair, particularly within the middle classes. The girls, dressed in white dresses, are arranged in a manner that speaks to the societal expectations of young women at the time; their postures and expressions reflecting a sense of decorum. Yet, the photograph also provides a glimpse into their individual identities. Note the subtle differences in their attire and hairstyles which hint at personal expression within the confines of societal norms. Consider the emotional landscape of girlhood captured here: the blend of innocence, anticipation, and perhaps, a touch of defiance. It invites us to reflect on the experiences of these young women and the stories they carried within them. What hopes and dreams did they harbor, and how did the world around them shape their identities?