Portret van een matroos van de Koninklijk Marine, staand bij een scheepsmodel op tafel c. 1878 - 1896

D. Pigeaud created this portrait of a Royal Navy sailor sometime in the late 19th century. It's a simple photograph, yet it speaks volumes about the intersections of identity, class, and nation during the height of European maritime power. Notice the sailor's uniform; it signifies his belonging to the Dutch Royal Navy, a symbol of national pride and colonial reach. His gaze is direct, embodying a sense of duty and perhaps a quiet pride. The model ship on the table is more than a prop, it’s a nod to the sailor's profession. The photograph captures a moment of self-representation, reflecting both personal identity and the broader narratives of maritime history. It asks us to consider the human stories behind grand historical narratives. How did individuals navigate their roles within these power structures? What were their dreams and aspirations?