Marba Titzenthaler, dochter van de fotograaf, schrijvend in het woonhuis in de Friedrichstrasse, Berlijn Possibly 1917

Waldemar Titzenthaler made this photograph of his daughter, Marba, in their Berlin home. Photography in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was increasingly accessible but still carried a certain weight, marking a divergence from more traditional art forms. This image, taken in Germany, showcases a young girl at her studies, surrounded by the trappings of middle-class domesticity. The composition focuses on her engagement with learning, hinting at the social values placed on education and perhaps, aspiration. The scene provides a snapshot of the era's cultural emphasis on family, education, and the roles within the household. The role of women in society was changing, making it interesting to wonder about her future prospects. As historians, our job is to delve into the context of such images, researching the period's social norms, educational systems, and the photographer’s personal background to better understand the intersection of art, culture, and individual experience.