Portret van een zittende baby 1894 - 1905

This photographic print, of a seated baby, was produced by J. Tobie at an unknown date. It gives us a glimpse into the labor and social status of the period. The sepia tone and the type of paper used indicate the historical context of early photography. The baby's ornate clothing, especially the lace collar and carefully crafted shoes, are not just aesthetic choices. These signify the family's ability to afford specialized craftsmanship. Creating such garments involved skilled labor, reflecting a social hierarchy where handmade finery was a marker of wealth. The implicit social commentary embedded in this image stems from its material qualities, the photographic process, and the labor involved in producing both the image and the baby's attire. It subtly challenges any rigid distinction between the applied and fine arts, emphasizing the social context inherent in every object.