Portret van een jonge man 1861 - 1887

This small photograph, "Portret van een jonge man," was created by Albert Greiner. The monochromatic palette creates a subdued, almost melancholic mood, with the soft gradations of tone giving shape to the young man’s face and clothing. Notice how Greiner has framed the subject tightly, focusing on the face and upper torso. The lines of the suit subtly mirror the architectural frame around the image itself. These formal choices create a sense of containment, perhaps hinting at the social constraints and expectations placed upon young men of the time. The photograph serves not just as a record, but also as an artifact deeply embedded in cultural codes and power structures related to identity and representation. What we see here, is therefore not only a portrait, but a carefully constructed image reflecting and reinforcing societal norms.