Portret van een zittende man 1870 - 1885

Editor: So, this photograph, "Portret van een zittende man" or "Portrait of a Seated Man," was taken sometime between 1870 and 1885. It’s an anonymous work in the realism style. He looks so stiff and posed! It's a bit humorous, but also I wonder what was on his mind at that moment. What do you read in this portrait? Curator: Oh, isn't he magnificent? I imagine he feels rather pleased with himself, even if slightly uncomfortable sitting for the photograph. He's got that ‘I’m important’ aura, doesn’t he? It's more than just realism; there’s an attempt to capture something about the man’s status and perhaps aspirations, which feels really evocative. Editor: Aspirations, how so? Curator: Well, it’s the clothes, the deliberate pose. Photography was relatively new then; having your portrait taken was a statement. This wasn't a casual snapshot; it was a production! I suspect he’s presenting the image of the self he wants the world to see. Think of it as the 1880s version of a LinkedIn profile picture! He looks grounded. The chair also conveys status, wouldn't you say? It’s like a mini-throne! Do you think this contributes to his grounded nature? Editor: That's a funny comparison, and so true. The "mini-throne" really brings this man to life. So beyond just the realism, it is the need for that self-image! I definitely didn't think of that at first glance. Curator: Precisely! The formal realism is just a lens through which we see him curating his own image. Editor: It makes me wonder about all the layers we read into even 'realistic' portrayals, right? I won't look at photos the same way ever again. Curator: Exactly! Each one carries an essence of performance and wishful projection! It becomes an amazing lens to understanding people, society, culture, art and the list can go on!