Portret van een man 1877 - 1900

Jacob Kuyper made this portrait of a man, around the turn of the 20th century, using photographic techniques. Consider the rise of photography during this period, and how it democratized portraiture. Before, only the wealthy could afford to have their likeness captured in paint, but photography made it accessible to the middle classes. This image, with its formal composition and oval frame, imitates the conventions of painted portraits, reflecting the cultural aspiration of photography to be recognized as a legitimate art form. Made in the Netherlands, during a time of significant social and political change, the man in the portrait is likely a member of the bourgeoisie, given his attire and the fact that he could afford a professional portrait. The historian could look at the archives of local photography studios, newspapers, and social registers from that time to gain a deeper understanding of the sitter's social status and the broader cultural context in which this portrait was made.