Studioportret van een onbekende jongen naast een stoel c. 1915 - 1930

This is a studio portrait of an unknown boy, captured by A.M. van der Meulen. The sepia tones and formal composition situate it within a tradition of early photography, used to capture images of loved ones, especially children. During this era, childhood was increasingly viewed as a distinct and innocent phase of life. This cultural shift led to sentimental portrayals of children as symbols of purity and promise. Note the boy's posture. He is not actively playing, but formally posed. This suggests societal expectations around conduct and presentation, even at a very young age. The teddy bear beside him adds a layer of complexity. It’s both a comforting object and a prop, reflecting how identity is constructed through both intimate relationships and external symbols. The photograph offers us a poignant glimpse into the construction of identity. It invites us to consider how individuals are shaped by the expectations and norms of their time.