Familieportret Possibly 1889

This is a photographic family portrait by Jan Goedeljee. It shows a family of seven in a studio setting and is pasted into a photo album. In the Netherlands during the late 19th century, photography studios became more commonplace, allowing the middle classes to emulate the traditions of painted portraiture, previously reserved for the wealthy elite. Photography democratized image-making, reflecting broader societal shifts toward greater social mobility. The composition, with the parents centrally positioned and children arranged around them, reinforces traditional family hierarchies. The family's clothing and the studio backdrop are visual codes that speak to their aspirations of respectability and social standing. To understand this image fully, we might consult census records, fashion history, and the archives of photographic studios. Such resources help us to explore photography's role in shaping social identities and documenting the changing face of Dutch society.