Portret van een meisje met pop 1860 - 1890

This photograph, "Portret van een meisje met pop," was captured by Roelof Loots sometime in the 19th century. The portrait offers a glimpse into the constructed world of childhood during a period of significant social change. Consider the emotional landscape of girlhood as it was rigidly defined by Victorian ideals, emphasizing innocence and domesticity. The girl, dressed in frills, stands stiffly with her doll. This doll, often seen as a tool for teaching future maternal roles, underscores the limited expectations placed on women. In her stance, we might see a quiet resistance or perhaps an unconscious performance of the roles laid out for her. This image captures a moment in time and also reflects the complex negotiation of identity within the confines of societal expectations. How does it make you feel?