Vrouw met kinderen in klederdracht in een huiskamer, vermoedelijk in Volendam c. 1900 - 1910

This small photograph captures a scene inside a home, with a woman and children in traditional Volendam attire, but who was G. Hidderley? And what led them to capture this intimate moment? The photograph is rendered in tones of gray, from deep blacks in the shadowy corners to the creamy whites of the children’s bonnets. The texture is smooth, and there is an incredible amount of detail, especially in the fabrics, where you can pick out the patterns and folds. The light is dim but focused, as though the artist was working with available light. I find myself wondering about the circumstances of its making. I love the way the figures are arranged in a gentle pyramid. It reminds me of other artists who captured everyday life, like Vermeer. But instead of capturing the scene in oil on canvas, Hidderley used light and shadow, and the subtle play of tonal variation. Ultimately, the photograph invites us into a quiet, intimate moment. It's a beautiful glimpse into the past, reminding us of the shared human experiences.