Portret van een jonge man 1895 - 1920

This portrait of a young man by H.J. Tollens is made using photography, a relatively new medium at the time. The image is a window into a moment, captured through a lens and preserved on paper. Photography, as a technology, democratized portraiture, making it accessible to a wider segment of society beyond the wealthy elite who could afford painted portraits. The inherent qualities of photography – its indexical relationship to reality, its ability to capture detail and nuance – lent a sense of authenticity and immediacy to the image. The dark suit and tie worn by the young man is likely made using mass manufacturing, as well as synthetic dyes, so it reflects the impact of industrialization and consumerism on personal style and identity. The photograph is presented in a decorative frame, adding a layer of visual interest and artistic flair. Considering photography within a history of creative practices is important for understanding the democratization of image-making and the shifting relationship between art, labor, and consumerism.