Portret van C.W. Opzoomer, hoogleraar in de faculteit der Letteren en Wijsbegeerte aan de universiteit van Utrecht c. 1875 - 1892

This portrait of C.W. Opzoomer, professor at the University of Utrecht, was made by Christaan Marcussen in the Netherlands, during a time when photography was becoming increasingly accessible. Opzoomer's stern gaze and formal attire speak to the cultural values of the time, emphasizing intellect, authority, and social standing. As a professor of philosophy, Opzoomer was part of a growing academic elite that helped shape public discourse and national identity. This image serves not only as a personal memento but also as a representation of the power and prestige associated with academic institutions. Consider the role of the photographer as well. Marcussen likely operated within a network of studios catering to the needs of a rising middle class eager to participate in the visual culture of the time. To fully understand this portrait, we might turn to university archives, genealogical records, and period publications. Such research would reveal the complex social and intellectual networks that shaped the world of both sitter and artist.