Portret van een zittende man aan een tafel met boeken en een staande vrouw 1850 - 1900

This photograph by Merienne depicts a seated man and standing woman at a table laden with books. Likely created in the mid-19th century, it speaks volumes about the social aspirations of the rising middle class. In an era where photography was becoming more accessible, portraits like these weren't just about capturing likeness. They were carefully staged performances of social identity. The books, for instance, signal intellectualism and refinement, virtues highly prized by the bourgeoisie as they sought to distinguish themselves from both the aristocracy and the working class. We might ask: who were these people? Was this commissioned by the sitters themselves, or was it made for a wider audience? The answers lie in archives, social histories, and studies of photographic practices. By understanding the social and institutional contexts, we can unlock a deeper understanding of images like these, revealing the intricate ways in which art reflects and shapes society.