Portret van een weesjongen uit het Amsterdamse Burgerweeshuis c. 1870 - 1890

This is a set of four albumin prints of orphans in traditional Dutch clothing, created by Andries Jager, a photographer working in the Netherlands in the late 19th century. These images offer a glimpse into the social fabric of the time, where institutions like orphanages played a crucial role in caring for vulnerable children. We can explore how these photographs, beyond their aesthetic appeal, reflect the values, norms, and power structures of Dutch society. It's striking to see how these orphans are presented in their traditional attire. This act is a deliberate choice, reminding us of the importance that Dutch society placed on maintaining cultural identity and tradition, even for those on the margins. The orphanage itself becomes a microcosm of society, instilling these values in its young charges. To truly understand these photographs, we can turn to archival records of the Amsterdamse Burgerweeshuis, studies of Dutch social history, and analyses of the role of photography in shaping perceptions of identity and social class. These resources help us understand the complex interplay of social forces that shaped both the lives of these orphans and the images we see before us.