Portret van een onbekende jongen 1892 - 1909

Idanus Hendrikus Slaterus created this small portrait of an unknown boy, capturing a moment in time with the photographic techniques of his era. Slaterus, who lived through a period of vast social change, shows us a glimpse into the life of a young boy, likely from the Dutch middle class. The boy stands in a suit with a serious expression and fashionable boots. The conventions of portraiture at the time tended to favor posed, formal settings, yet there's something about the boy’s gaze that feels both vulnerable and defiant. The image offers insight into the construction of childhood and class identity in the late 19th century. As we consider the context, we might ask ourselves: What expectations were placed on this young boy as he grew into manhood? What hopes did his family have for him? This photograph encapsulates the intersection of personal identity and broader societal norms.