Portret van een vrouw met een baby op schoot c. 1870 - 1872

This portrait of a woman with a baby in her lap was created by Gebr. Kerremans. In this photographic image, we see a mother and child, likely taken in a studio setting. The mother's dark dress and serious expression reflect the more somber, constrained gender roles of the time. The lace collar and brooch hint at a modest prosperity, but it’s the child who draws the eye. There is a softness about the baby's gaze and posture that creates an intimate feeling. The creation of such a portrait was likely a significant event for the family, a way to mark the passage of time and to create a lasting memento. Consider the emotional weight carried by this seemingly simple image. What does it mean to capture a moment in time, especially one so deeply tied to identity and familial bonds?