Portret van Lucas Jonker 1859 - 1869

This is a photographic portrait of Lucas Jonker, made by Tresling & Comp. using a photographic process. The sepia tone tells us this is likely an albumen print, a process popular in the 19th century. Photography, even in its early days, was never a purely mechanical medium. This image demonstrates the careful labor involved in the process. From preparing the glass plate negative with a light-sensitive emulsion to the complex darkroom work, each step demanded skill. The subject, likely from a middle-class family, underscores photography's role in democratizing portraiture, moving it away from painted portraits affordable only to the wealthy. The controlled studio setting, from the furniture to the child's carefully chosen clothing, speak volumes about the aspirations of the sitter’s family. The image is a result of the convergence of technological innovation, skilled labor, and social ambitions. The image's value lies not just in its aesthetic qualities, but also in its encapsulation of industrial progress, labor, and the democratization of representation.