Portret van een onbekende man before 1903

This photograph of an unknown man by C.J. von Dühren feels very intimate. I imagine the artist, Dühren, in his studio, carefully composing the shot, adjusting the light, and waiting for the perfect moment to capture his sitter. He is not looking straight at us but off to the side, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue. What was he thinking at that very moment? Was he pondering life’s big questions? The texture is smooth, almost velvety, adding to the overall sense of serenity. It reminds me of the portraits by Nadar. We can only guess, but perhaps this photograph is a mirror reflecting our own thoughts and emotions. It's not just a photograph of a man; it's a reflection of the human condition. And isn't that what art is all about?