Mevrouw Kessler de Lange met een kind op haar arm 1900 - 1920

Editor: This is a photograph of Mevrouw Kessler de Lange with a child, dating from around 1910. It looks like an albumen print. I’m immediately struck by the formality of the image and the rather staged atmosphere. What underlying stories do you see in this work? Curator: The photograph, despite its staged appearance, reveals volumes about societal values at the turn of the century. The mother, adorned in lace, subtly signifies domestic virtue and social standing, but her embrace suggests a complex relationship between motherhood and societal expectations. Editor: How so? Curator: Look closely. The child is positioned almost as an accessory, the pose and dress hinting at their family’s aspirations, almost like a small symbol of future hopes and family legacy. Note the backdrop: a parlor filled with curated items such as flowers, palm, and other children. These are symbols for comfort and societal integration in the social structures. What does it tell us about the role of children and their family value? Editor: I guess it wasn’t just about capturing a moment, but presenting a particular image to the world? Curator: Exactly. This dual presentation of woman and family becomes powerful; almost an official statement, like the formal royal portrait, but here at home. The photo transcends the simple documentation to touch on collective memory. Editor: That’s fascinating. I was seeing it as just an old photograph but now I realize how much is embedded in these visual codes. Thanks for pointing those out. Curator: Indeed. Every element, from the choice of clothing to the surrounding decor, has some impact; like small threads woven into the big fabric of their cultural world.