Portret van Irene With met hond 1920 - 1930

This is a vintage photograph, likely from the early 20th century, showing Irene With and her dog. The anonymous photographer captured a common scene, but one that also speaks volumes about social status and leisure. The image creates meaning through the cultural associations of pet ownership, which has historically been linked to wealth and privilege. The setting is a well-kept porch, suggesting a comfortable domestic life. In many European societies at that time, the ability to afford pets and the time to care for them was a marker of social standing. The photograph, though seemingly simple, hints at the sitter’s place within a specific social class. The Rijksmuseum's acquisition of this photograph speaks to the evolving role of museums in preserving everyday histories. To truly understand this image, we might look at photographic archives and social histories of the period to understand social class, family life, and the changing role of women. The meaning of this work lies in the broader context of social and institutional practices.