Portret van een zittende man met bakkebaarden 1857 - 1894

This is Pieter Siewers's photographic portrait of a seated man, captured in the late 19th century. The man's composed posture and stern gaze, framed by his substantial sideburns, convey an air of authority and stability, typical of the bourgeois ideals of the time. Consider the recurring motif of the seated figure throughout art history. From ancient Egyptian pharaohs on their thrones to Renaissance depictions of philosophers in their studies, the act of sitting signifies power, contemplation, and a connection to the earth. Here, though, the chair seems less a symbol of authority and more a grounding element. It suggests a deliberate attempt to anchor oneself amidst the rapidly changing social landscape of the 19th century. This echoes a deeper, almost primal desire to find stability in a world of flux, engaging our collective memory of seeking refuge in tradition and permanence. The man’s rigid posture and the somber tones evoke a sense of melancholy. As the world advanced, perhaps he felt the past slipping away.