Portret van een onbekende baby in stoel

This photograph of an unknown baby in a chair was taken by Max Cosman in Amsterdam. In the late 19th century, photography became a popular way for families to commemorate important moments, like a child's infancy. Here, the baby is posed formally in a decorative chair, likely chosen to convey a sense of status. The choice to present this image in sepia tones further invokes a sense of timelessness. In Dutch society at this time, there was a growing middle class that valued displays of domesticity and family. Photography studios like Cosman's played a crucial role, offering a service that catered to these social values. Understanding the historical context and the social function of photography helps us to see beyond the simple image of a baby in a chair. We can research the economic conditions that allowed for the rise of photography studios and the social values that made such portraits desirable.