Groepsportret van mannen, vrouwen en een kind op een plein c. 1903

Editor: This is a photograph titled "Groepsportret van mannen, vrouwen en een kind op een plein," created around 1903 by H. Hies. It looks like a historical photograph. It feels a bit formal and stiff to me. I’m curious, what strikes you most about this image? Curator: I immediately consider the power dynamics at play. It’s fascinating to analyze the visual language used to portray social class and gender roles in the early 20th century. Look at how the men dominate the frame, mostly standing, wearing darker clothing and hats. Notice the positioning of the women; generally surrounded by the men and closer to the center of the photograph. Editor: I hadn't thought about that. What does that tell us? Curator: This could be a formal gathering, but where are they exactly? Note how this is posed in front of what appears to be a prominent building on a plaza, indicating perhaps an association with the structure. The sea of faces are overwhelmingly white, which brings up questions around who is included and excluded from positions of social and economic power at that time. We need to consider that photography during this time could serve as social documentation. The historical narrative could provide interesting discussions surrounding these photographic moments. What kind of feelings come to mind when viewing it from this perspective? Editor: I see what you mean. Viewing the work through the lens of historical context makes it more powerful to think about identity. Curator: Indeed. Looking closer we can appreciate the intersectional dynamics captured in a single photographic frame and ask the crucial questions regarding representation and historical social structure.