Studioportret van twee jongens in zwarte pakjes c. 1863 - 1866

A.C. Weyer made this albumen print, “Studioportret van twee jongens in zwarte pakjes,” or “Studio Portrait of Two Boys in Black Suits,” sometime in the nineteenth century. These boys, in their dark jackets and stern expressions, give us an insight into the photographic conventions and social norms of the time. In nineteenth-century Europe, photography studios emerged as important sites for constructing and reinforcing social identities. The formal attire, the carefully posed stance, and the act of commissioning a portrait all speak to the desire to present a particular image of respectability and status. The austere black suits, set against a neutral backdrop, emphasize the subjects' seriousness. But these clothes also speak to the prevailing social mores of the time, which emphasized discipline and restraint, particularly in the upbringing of children. To fully appreciate this photograph, one could delve into the history of photography as a medium. One could also examine etiquette manuals and conduct books from the period. These would give us a richer understanding of the cultural values that shaped the way people presented themselves to the world.