Portret van Ph. Sadée 1881 - 1885

Maurits Verveer made this photograph of Ph. Sadée sometime in the 19th century. It is an albumen print laid on card, a photographic process that was common at the time. In this period, photography became a popular means of documenting middle-class identities in the Netherlands and across Europe. Here, Ph. Sadée is portrayed as a man of status. The tight framing and sepia tone lend the image a traditional air of portraiture, while the sitter's suit and tie, as well as his facial hair, also contribute to this effect. This photograph is not just a faithful record of an individual, but an artifact in itself, shaped by the visual codes of its time. By researching popular photographic studios and portraiture of the Dutch middle class we can better understand how this image functions within its original social context.