Portret van een man met een bril en bakkebaarden c. 1870 - 1900

This portrait of a man with glasses and sideburns was created by Johan Christiaan Reesinck, who lived from 1838 to 1922. The photographic portrait allows us to consider the sitter’s identity within the social conventions of the time. The man’s formal attire, including a suit and bow tie, speaks to a certain social standing and adherence to bourgeois norms. His glasses and well-groomed sideburns further contribute to an image of respectability and intellect. It also reflects the cultural values of the time, where appearance played a crucial role in defining one’s social identity. What might this portrait reveal about the intersection of class, gender, and identity in the 19th century? How does the act of posing for a photograph shape the sitter’s self-representation, and what emotions or aspirations might be captured in this carefully constructed image? As we consider this man's portrait, it’s interesting to think about how photography both reinforces and challenges societal norms.