Portret van een man c. 1865 - 1885

This is a portrait of a man, made by A. Böeseken using photographic materials and processes. The image's sepia tones and oval format speak to the era in which it was made, calling to mind the rise of commercial photography. This was a time when the mass production of images became possible. It democratized portraiture, making it accessible to a wider range of people than ever before. The photograph's texture is smooth, and the weight of the paper support is light. Note that these photographs were not intended as unique works of art, but rather as part of a larger phenomenon of social documentation. The circulation of images was made possible by new industrial processes. It marks a significant shift in how individuals saw themselves and their place in society. This photograph invites us to consider the ways in which technology shapes our understanding of art. It challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and the more vernacular forms of visual culture.