Portret van een kind, zittend op een stoel 1850 - 1890

This is Alexandre Ken’s diminutive portrait of a child, made with photography during the 19th century. Photography in this period served not only as a record, but also as a tool for constructing and reinforcing social identities. Here, the child is formally posed, seated with a pillar next to them, signaling a claim to status and permanence. However, the child’s somewhat defiant expression complicates the image. Consider what it meant to document childhood in this era. The picture is evidence of changing attitudes toward children, who were increasingly seen as individuals rather than miniature adults. The image tells us about the performance of identity, about the aspirations and the self-awareness of the sitter and their family. This image reflects societal values, while also allowing space for individual expression and interpretation. The power of this image resides in this intersection.