Portret van baby 1880 - 1886

August Rino, born in Switzerland, created this portrait of a baby. During the nineteenth century, portraits such as these reinforced notions of innocence and purity often ascribed to childhood, and particularly to young girls dressed in white. This image comes across as a somewhat traditional portrayal. Yet, when we pause, we can also consider how gendered expectations shape identity from the earliest moments of life. A photograph like this might elicit a sense of nostalgia for some, or perhaps prompt reflections on the pressures and limitations imposed by societal norms. Ultimately, this image serves as a reminder of the complexities of representation, identity, and the subtle yet pervasive ways in which our lives are framed by cultural expectations.