Familieportret 1880 - 1920

This portrait of a family was captured by J. & J. Schotel Szn, using photographic techniques of the time. The image presents a constructed vision of family. The parents stand behind their children, literally supporting them, perhaps also symbolic of their roles as caregivers. The children's clothing suggests a certain level of economic comfort, yet the composition hints at the restrictive social roles that come with it. Notice the averted gaze of the mother, which speaks volumes about the limited power afforded to women of her time. The photograph invites us to reflect on the complex intersection of personal identity and societal expectation, challenging us to consider how representation can both reflect and shape our understanding of ourselves and others.