Portret van Mies en haar dochtertje Ruth Schürer before 1895

Gerrit van der Mey made this portrait photograph of Mies Schürer and her daughter Ruth. This image, capturing a mother and child, speaks volumes about the social expectations placed on women in early 20th-century Netherlands. The formal attire and posed nature of the photograph reflect the era's emphasis on propriety. The image creates meaning through visual codes: Mies's elaborate lace collar subtly hints at her social standing, while the tight control of her hair suggests that she is a married woman. Photography studios became increasingly common, and the middle class were also seeking ways of representing themselves. Historical archives, family papers, and fashion studies can shed light on the cultural values that shaped this image. Understanding art requires a keen awareness of the social and institutional forces that shape its creation and interpretation.