Portret van een man met snor 1878 - 1900

This is a photographic portrait by F. Meeus-Verbeke, made sometime between 1845 and 1906. Now, think about what it takes to make a photograph. The glass plate negative, the light-sensitive emulsion, the precise timing of the exposure, and the chemical development. All of these processes require specialized knowledge, equipment, and materials, a far cry from painting a portrait. Before cameras were widely available, portraiture was reserved for the wealthy. Photography democratized the field, enabling the middle class to acquire images of themselves and their loved ones. This particular photograph is small, suggesting it was part of an album. The size speaks to the means of production: it's a multiple, and relatively inexpensive. Meeus-Verbeke likely ran a commercial studio, where skilled labor was required. This photograph isn't just an image, it's a product of its time, reflecting the rise of industrial processes and a growing consumer culture.