Stilleven met allerlei voorwerpen c. 1855

Eduard Isaac Asser created this still life photograph in the Netherlands at an undetermined date. The image depicts an array of domestic objects, including portraits, containers, and textiles, arranged in a seemingly casual manner. Given the period in which Asser was working, this arrangement can be read as a reflection on Dutch society’s increasing engagement with domesticity and consumer culture. The inclusion of personal portraits suggests an emphasis on individual identity and family ties, while the assortment of containers and textiles points to the growing availability of consumer goods. Consider, too, the institutional context. The image can be compared to contemporary still life paintings that catered to a middle-class audience interested in depictions of everyday life. Further research into the specific objects depicted, as well as archival sources documenting Dutch social and economic history, could shed light on the broader cultural significance of this seemingly simple photograph.