Groepsportret van zeven kinderen 1873 - 1906

This is Max Büttinghausen’s ‘Group Portrait of Seven Children’, an undated photograph from the late 19th century. During this era, photography was gaining popularity, yet portraiture remained a formal, staged affair, reflecting the social norms and values of the time. Notice the children’s attire, which speaks volumes about the cultural expectations placed upon them. The clothing signals gender and class, each child presented in a manner befitting their societal role. One can almost feel the weight of expectation in their serious expressions. The photograph offers a glimpse into the constructed nature of childhood, highlighting the ways in which identities are shaped by cultural and historical forces. It prompts us to consider the untold stories of these children, and how they navigated the complexities of gender, class, and societal expectations.