Studioportret van mevrouw de Lange-Wiggers van Kerchem, Margo J.J. Kessler-de Lange en baby An 1889

This photographic studio portrait captures Mrs. de Lange-Wiggers van Kerchem, Margo J.J. Kessler-de Lange, and baby An. The photograph provides a glimpse into the roles, relationships, and expectations that shaped the lives of women across generations. The elder Mrs. de Lange-Wiggers van Kerchem sits dignified, her dark dress a contrast to the floral dress of Margo, her daughter, a visual cue to their differing positions in society. Baby An, held protectively, represents the continuation of family lineage. The studio setting suggests a performance of social status, and a construction of a family narrative that emphasizes continuity and respectability. Yet, within this composed image, one wonders about the untold stories and the complexities of motherhood, lineage, and the private lives of these women. The photograph asks us to consider the personal experiences of these individuals within the constraints of their time.