Portret van Wouter Holleman, fabrikant c. 1855 - 1870

This is a portrait of Wouter Holleman, a manufacturer, created by an anonymous artist using an early photographic process. The restricted monochrome palette of blacks and whites, softened by the delicate gold frame, creates a somber yet elegant impression. Notice how the composition adheres to a rigid structure, placing Holleman centrally within the frame. The geometry of his pose—one arm resting authoritatively on the chair back—lends a sense of stability and control, mirroring his societal role as a manufacturer. The choice of medium, with its unique tonal range, adds depth and a tangible quality to the image. Considering this work through the lens of semiotics, the portrait is not just a likeness, but a carefully constructed sign. Each element, from the subject's attire to his posture, functions as a signifier, communicating messages about status, power, and identity within the cultural context of its time. The photograph invites viewers to decode these signs, understanding the complex interplay between representation and reality in photographic portraiture.