Figure 5.--HBC assumed that this was an American portrait taken about 1920. White stockings were often worn with dressy outfits in America. The girl's cap, however, does not look America. Could this possibly be Dutch. Note the decorations on the wall. Click on the image for a more detailed discussion.

HBC has no information on this image. We were inclined to the conclusion that the children were American. We have noted American boys wearingg outfits like these as well as the white stockings and strap shoes. The younger child's cap, however, does not look American. We think that perhaps it is Dutch. We notice that there is a Dutch motif in the wall decoration. HBC would be interested in reader assessments.

Chronolgy

Based on the clothing styles along with white stockings and strap shoes, HBC estimates that this portrait was taken about 1920. These were popular styles, for a new informal dressy style in America at the time. While we are not sure the image is America, we do not believe that the chronology would have been different in another country.

Location

We are not sure about the location. It could possibly be the children's bedroom. There does not appear, however, to be any furniture other than the chair the girl is sitting on. As it is clearly a professional portrait, it was probably taken in a studio.

Inividuals

The children almost certainly are brothers and sisters. They not only look alike, but are dressed in coordinated outfits--suggesting brothers and sisters. They look to be about 4-8 years of age.

Clothing

The children all wear coordinatd immaculate white outfits. The boys wear the same outfits. I'm not sure what to call their below the elbow tunic-like shirts with drawstring neck openings. They have kneepants with long white stockings and strap shoes. Their little sister is dressed similarly, except for the cap and dress which has a closed-neck rather than draw-string openings. It seems rather strange that the girl would wear her cap for the portrait. Children especially girls usually pose for portraits without caps or hats. The cap itself does not look American, it does seem similar to caps worn by Dutch girls.

Hair Style

The boys wear standard short hair cuts. The little girl has bangs.

Facial Characteristics

The blond hair and facial characteristics suggests that the children may be Dutch, German, or Scandinavian. They could also of course be American.