Portret van Johanna Geertruida van der Waals 1903 - 1905

This is a portrait of Johanna Geertruida van der Waals, captured by Abraham Salomon Weinberg. Note how the child is presented amidst soft furs, embodying vulnerability and innocence, a common trope throughout art history. The doll in Johanna’s hand serves as more than just a plaything; it is a symbol of the self, a miniature representation of identity and connection. Such depictions of children with dolls echo throughout art, reminding us of the potent psychological resonance found in the mirroring of self and effigy. Think of the countless Renaissance paintings of infant Christs clutching symbolic objects, imbued with layers of religious meaning, or even the melancholic dolls held by young girls in Victorian photography. The simple act of a child holding a doll evokes a deep emotional response, triggering reflections on mortality, memory, and the enduring power of symbols across generations. This cyclical progression, from ancient effigies to this humble photograph, demonstrates how symbols constantly resurface, evolve, and assume new meanings across varying historical milieus.