Portret van een onbekend kind 1855 - 1885

This photograph of an unknown child was created by Matkin, presumably in Lincoln, during the late 19th century when photography became more accessible. It captures a moment in time, yet also speaks to broader social trends of the era. The child, dressed in a dark, buttoned dress and light-colored stockings, is placed on a patterned cushion. This aesthetic choice reflects the Victorian era's emphasis on formality. The choice to photograph children separately was a marker of middle class status. In the context of Victorian gender norms, the clothing of the child complicates readings of gender. This portrait invites us to reflect on the histories of childhood, class, and gender. It serves as a poignant reminder of the lives, known and unknown, that constitute our collective past.