Album met cartes-de-visite en kabinetfoto's van militairen in uniform 1865 - 1900

This album with cartes-de-visite and cabinet photos of military personnel in uniform, was made by various makers during the period when photography was becoming more accessible. Consider how the rise of photography democratized portraiture. The carte-de-visite, a small photograph mounted on card stock, became wildly popular in the mid-19th century, offering a relatively inexpensive way for people to create and share their images. This album, likely compiled in the Netherlands, reflects the growing importance of the military in national identity. The uniformed figures represent the visual codes of power, status, and duty within the armed forces. To fully understand this album, we would need to research the social and political context of the Dutch military at the time, considering its role in colonial administration, national defense, and public life. By studying archives, personal letters, and official records, we can better understand the meaning of this fascinating album.