Portret van een onbekende vrouw met baby 1855 - 1885

John George Kirby captured this photograph of an unknown woman and child using the carte de visite format, popular in the late 19th century. These small, easily reproduced photographs democratized portraiture, making it accessible to a broader public beyond the traditional elite. Taken in the Netherlands, the image reflects the cultural values of the time, emphasizing domesticity and motherhood. The woman's clothing and pose suggest middle-class respectability, aligning with prevailing social norms. It’s interesting to note how this format allowed for the mass dissemination of such images, shaping and reinforcing ideals of family and social status. By examining photographic archives, fashion trends, and social histories, we can further unlock the narratives embedded in this seemingly simple portrait, gaining insight into the lives and values of Dutch society during this period.