Portret van een jonge man in kostuum 1865 - 1885

Editor: So, here we have "Portret van een jonge man in kostuum", dating from somewhere between 1865 and 1885, by Henri Pronk. It's a photographic portrait and I'm struck by the sitter's almost theatrical attire and somewhat serious expression. What do you see in this image that really grabs your attention? Curator: You know, I see a romantic yearning, don’t you think? There’s a stillness in the image, like a carefully staged tableau. The subject is probably striking a pose meant to evoke something from literature or stage productions. It’s like they are whispering "I'm a brooding hero." Makes you wonder what play they were headed to, or starring in, eh? Editor: That's interesting. The "brooding hero" thing didn't immediately jump out at me. The historical fashion reads a bit costume-y, though; I think he is wearing a kilt. Curator: Absolutely! It’s theatrical, this "costume-y" feel, but I also find myself wondering what role these photographs played for folks back then. Perhaps these photographs acted like today's "selfies"? A way of presenting oneself as we want to be seen, even if that version is a little… heightened, do you feel me? Editor: I hadn't thought of them as early "selfies", but that's a great way to put it. This piece almost feels like a window into a very carefully constructed performance. Curator: Exactly! And isn’t that just a beautiful bit of melancholy to ponder on a Tuesday afternoon, ah? Editor: Absolutely! Thanks, that's given me a whole new perspective on it. Curator: My pleasure! Glad to stretch the imagination, it is always worth it in my book.