Portret van een oude man met medaille 1874 - 1900

This portrait of an old man with a medal was made by Cornelis Bernardus Broersma, although the exact date it was created is unknown. It is a photograph, a medium which emerged in the mid-19th century, offering new ways to capture and represent individuals. Broersma's portrait provides insight into the values and status symbols of the time. The man's formal attire, complete with a medal, hints at his social standing and accomplishments within a hierarchical society. Consider what the man's pose and expression communicate. Does he embody a sense of pride, wisdom, or perhaps weariness? The photograph invites us to reflect on how identity is constructed and presented through visual cues, reflecting the historical emphasis on achievement and public recognition. It also encourages us to think about the stories and experiences that lie behind the portrait of an individual marked by age and honor.