Portret van een man met een bril en baard 1878 - 1880

This is a photographic portrait by W.S. Bradshaw, who was active in the second half of the 19th century. Though we cannot be certain of the specific photographic process used, we can assume it was one of the many that emerged during this period. It’s worth reflecting on how such processes democratized portraiture. Before photography, painted portraits were only for the wealthy, but this new technology allowed a wider range of people to be represented. The rise of photography studios meant more and more people could have their picture taken, offering a new way to document life and solidify social status. The material reality of this photograph – its size, the paper it's printed on, and the way it's mounted – all speak to its historical context. Considering this portrait as a crafted object, we begin to understand how photography reshaped social representation. It also brings into focus the skill and labor involved, changing our understanding of both art and craft.