Studioportret van generaal-majoor A.M.W van Hasselt met snor en baard in leger uniform c. 1863 - 1866

This is a studio portrait of General Major A.M.W. van Hasselt, captured by Wegner & Mottu. The photograph provides a glimpse into the visual culture of the military elite. Van Hasselt's stern expression and formal attire reflect the values of duty, honor, and authority upheld by the military during this period. It invites us to reflect on the complex interplay between personal identity and institutional power. Consider the cultural context. The act of commissioning a portrait underscores the sitter's status, while the military uniform symbolizes not just individual accomplishment, but also the broader colonial and imperial projects in which such figures were often enmeshed. The photograph serves as a reminder of the human beings behind systems of power.