Portret van een onbekende man 1865 - 1885

This portrait of an unknown man was made by Albert Dekema, using photography, a relatively new medium at the time. Photography, unlike painting or sculpture, was immediately tied to industrial processes and the rise of capitalism. The materials were mass-produced chemicals, the equipment factory-made, and the final product infinitely reproducible. The rise of photography democratized portraiture, making it accessible to a wider segment of the population than ever before. Yet, the photographer's skill was still essential. Dekema had to master the technical aspects of the process and also compose the image, pose his subject, and create a likeness that was both accurate and flattering. The result is a fascinating blend of industrial production and individual artistry. Looking at this image, we can consider how the rise of photography changed our understanding of art, labor, and representation, challenging the traditional hierarchies between fine art and craft.