Portret van een baby, zittend in een stoel 1880 - 1910

Wilhelm Holtorp made this photographic print titled 'Portret van een baby, zittend in een stoel', though the exact date remains unknown. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, photography studios flourished, offering a burgeoning middle class a way to immortalize themselves and their loved ones. This portrait of a baby, seated regally in an ornate chair, speaks volumes about the era's aspirations. The choice of a decorative chair transforms the child into a miniature aristocrat, reflecting a desire for upward mobility and social distinction. This image serves as a fascinating document for historians. Through careful analysis of studio records, fashion trends, and social customs, one can unlock a wealth of information about the sitter's family, their place in society, and the broader cultural landscape of the time. The photograph reminds us that even seemingly simple images can offer profound insights into the social and institutional contexts in which they were created and consumed.