Portret van twee onbekende meisjes, staand in jurken 1895 - 1898

H.J. Tollens made this portrait of two unknown girls, standing in dresses, sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. It is presented in a decorative frame, exemplifying the late Art Nouveau style. The black and white photograph offers a glimpse into the social conventions surrounding childhood at the time. The girls, likely from a middle-class family, are formally posed and dressed in matching white dresses, reflecting the era's emphasis on propriety and innocence. The Art Nouveau frame itself speaks to the rise of decorative arts and their integration into everyday life, a movement that sought to elevate craftsmanship and aesthetic beauty. To fully understand this image, it is important to consult photographic archives, fashion history resources, and period literature. These can offer valuable insights into the social and cultural values that shaped its creation. Ultimately, this portrait and its frame stand as a reminder of the historical context that shapes both artistic production and our interpretation of it.