Portret van een onbekende man, zittend aan een kleine tafel 1880 - 1910

This is a portrait of an unknown man by Roelof Pieters Lammers, made using a photographic process. The monochromatic sepia tones envelop the figure, creating a sense of historical distance, while the textures suggest the material reality of the photographic print. The composition follows a traditional structure, with the subject centrally placed and posed in a seated position. The artist employs a formal arrangement, emphasizing symmetry and balance. Light gently sculpts the man's face, and the dark jacket grounds him in the visual field. This play of light and shadow introduces depth, animating the composition. The photograph invites us to consider the relationship between representation, identity, and the passage of time. The careful attention to detail, combined with the formal composition, speaks to the cultural codes of portraiture and the desire to capture and preserve a moment in history.