Zelfportret, 'Declaration Sincère' 1845 - 1855

Eduard Isaac Asser created this self-portrait photograph, entitled "Declaration Sincère", during the rise of photography as an art form. Asser strikes a pose of earnest sincerity, hand over his heart, directly referencing the visual language of official portraiture, which was usually reserved for society's elite. The photographic process allowed middle class people to create these images for themselves, even though it borrowed from the traditions of painting. Made in the Netherlands, this image hints at the democratization of art and representation during the 19th century. It reflects how photography enabled new social groups to participate in the creation and circulation of images. Historians can research the cultural and institutional history of photography through the archives of photography societies, museums, and private collections. Understanding the changing social role of art requires attention to the means of its production and circulation.