Portret van een onbekende baby in een kinderstoel 1880 - 1887

J.A. van Krieken made this photograph of an unknown baby in a high chair sometime in the late 19th century in the Netherlands. This photographic print on cardboard, typical of the time, gives us a glimpse into the cultural practices around childhood and family. The baby, dressed in a frilly white dress, is posed formally in a studio setting. The high chair and patterned backdrop suggest a carefully constructed image, meant to convey a sense of respectability and perhaps even prosperity. In the Netherlands, as in many Western societies during this period, photography was becoming more accessible, yet it remained a significant event, especially for capturing images of children. Photographs like this were not just personal keepsakes, but also circulated within families and social networks, reinforcing ideas about family, childhood, and social status. Through careful study of the pose, the clothing, and the setting, we can gain a richer understanding of the social values and cultural norms of the time. Family archives and studio records can help us connect these images to their historical context.