Portret van drie jongens c. 1862 - 1900

Albert Greiner created this photographic print titled “Portret van drie jongens” sometime in the late 19th century. This portrait, now held at the Rijksmuseum, offers a fascinating glimpse into the social conventions of the era. In the late 1800s, photography was becoming increasingly accessible, yet formal portraits remained a significant marker of social status. The three boys, stiffly posed and formally dressed in dark suits, reflect the rigid codes of conduct and the importance placed on outward appearances in bourgeois society. Consider the setting: a studio, likely, with props such as the ornate chair and column adding an air of sophistication and permanence. What does this image tell us about family dynamics, social mobility, or the aspirations of the middle class in the Netherlands at this time? To answer these questions, one might explore the history of photography, etiquette manuals, and other visual and written sources that reveal the values and norms of the day. Ultimately, it's in these layers of historical context that the photograph's deeper meanings emerge.