Portret van Petrus Hofstede de Groot, hoogleraar in de faculteit Godgeleerdheid aan de universiteit van Groningen 1864

This is a portrait of Petrus Hofstede de Groot, professor of theology, made by Johannes Hinderikus Egenberger. The composition of this albumen print is strikingly simple. The subdued palette of sepia tones creates a formal and structured image. Egenberger employs a tight crop, focusing predominantly on the professor's face and upper body. This directs our attention to the professor's gaze and the subtle play of light across his features, which may evoke a sense of introspection. The professor is positioned slightly off-center, which introduces a subtle asymmetry within the frame, complicating any straightforward reading of the subject. The textural quality of the photograph, with its fine grain, further enhances the portrait's complexity. The neutral background also serves to isolate the figure, emphasizing the sitter's psychological presence.