Jongetje fotografeert zijn beer en pop 1910 - 1930

Riet Raaphorst made this watercolor drawing, titled "Jongetje fotografeert zijn beer en pop," with pen and brush. The image shows a boy taking a picture of a doll and a bear, but it is not only a charming scene, it can also be understood as a depiction of the shifting social dynamics around photography. Photography's rise in popularity was entwined with its evolving role within social classes and the transformation from a professionalized skill into an accessible pastime. This piece, made in the Netherlands, reflects the democratization of image-making, indicating a shift in the social status associated with capturing images. Raaphorst's simple style and playful subject matter indicate a move toward the recognition of the ordinary and the childlike in artistic representation. Looking into Dutch cultural archives will provide more context about the place of children's culture in art at the time.