Portret van twee meisjes bij een stoel 1860 - 1900

Frederick Argall's 'Portret van twee meisjes bij een stoel' is a photograph offering a glimpse into childhood and class during the late 19th century. The portrait features two young girls posed stiffly next to an ornate chair, their expressions serious. The clothing of the girls suggests a middle-class background, with attention paid to detail in their dresses and accessories. During this era, childhood was increasingly seen as a distinct phase of life, with specific expectations around dress and behaviour, and it is these expectations that Argall has captured in his work. The girls' apparel, their careful positioning, and the chair all point to a constructed presentation of self. In what ways do these constructed images perpetuate societal norms, and how might they offer alternative narratives of identity and belonging? There is an emotional weight to this photograph; the faces of the children seem prematurely burdened by the world. It is through the intersection of childhood, class, and representation that this photograph resonates.