Portret van Tootje Roos als baby 1880 - 1906

This photograph captures Tootje Roos as a baby, taken by Max Büttinghausen. Note how the whiteness of the infant’s dress dominates the image. White, of course, is often associated with purity and innocence. From ancient Roman vestal virgins, to the Renaissance depiction of the Madonna, white clothing has signified virtue. Yet, if we look at Goya's portraits, we may perceive a more nuanced understanding of this motif: white can also be a symbol of the aristocratic class, suggesting social standing. The image is almost a blank canvas; the baby's posture and expression become all the more important. The slight hand gesture, reminiscent of a blessing, contrasts sharply with the infant's stern gaze, creating a potent tension. The image evokes a sense of primal innocence but also hints at the complexities of identity and social expectations, mirroring a continuous cycle of symbolism, echoing through time.