Reproductie naar een foto van Willem Witsen c. 1860 - 1915

This is a reproduction of a photograph by Willem Witsen, held at the Rijksmuseum. It depicts a group of people in a garden. The image offers a glimpse into Dutch society during the late 19th or early 20th century, but to interpret it fully we should consider the social context in which it was produced. The family's attire indicates they belong to a privileged class, with leisure time and resources for portraiture. The presence of children and pets suggests domesticity and familial values, both were central to middle-class identity at the time. However, the rigid composition and formal poses can be read as an effort to project an image of social standing, hinting at anxieties around class and status. To understand the image better, we can consult period sources, such as etiquette guides, fashion magazines, or even family albums from this time. This image shows us that art offers valuable insights into the social structures and cultural values of a specific historical moment.