Groepsportret van twee onbekende jonge vrouwen en een onbekende jonge man c. 1865 - 1900

This is an undated photograph by Laurens Lodewijk Kleijn portraying three young, unknown individuals. Although details are difficult to discern due to the image's state, we can still infer some understanding of the social conditions of its time. Based on Kleijn's lifespan, the image was likely produced in the late 19th century. Photography at this time was becoming more accessible, moving from the realm of exclusively professional practice to something the middle classes could participate in. Portraits like this one became a way for people to represent themselves and their families, reflecting aspirations and social standing. The formal attire suggests a certain level of social status. The act of commissioning or taking a photograph itself reflects engagement with modernity and technological advancement. To understand this image fully, further research would be needed into the history of photography in the Netherlands, the social history of its middle classes, and the work of Kleijn himself. Only then can we appreciate its role within its specific time.