'De bruûr van 't lijk', man met hoge hoed in Nunspeet c. 1897 - 1899

Gerard Aalbersberg created this photograph, titled 'The brother of the corpse', in Nunspeet, Netherlands. The image depicts a man in what appears to be formal attire, including a top hat, standing in front of a wooden structure. Aalbersberg's work invites consideration of Dutch social structures and customs of the period. The man's formal dress and the setting provide insight into the socio-economic dynamics of the community. Is this an unusual person in the town, or is Aalbersberg documenting the funerary habits of the local elite? The title itself, 'The brother of the corpse,' hints at the cultural significance of death and mourning rituals in the Netherlands at the time. Historians might consult local archives, genealogical records, and studies of Dutch social history to further understand the context. The meaning of this photograph is contingent upon the cultural and institutional context in which it was made and received.