Portret van David Williams met horloge, ketting en vlinderdas 1880 - 1910

Spencer and Wilson made this portrait of David Williams, whose social standing is immediately apparent in his attire and demeanor, using photographic techniques that were rapidly evolving at the time. The photograph, likely taken in the late 19th or early 20th century, reflects a period of significant social stratification. David’s clothes, accessories, and carefully constructed pose speak to the visual codes of status and wealth. The watch chain, for instance, isn’t merely functional; it's a statement of having the means to possess such items. In a society defined by class distinctions, these visual cues played a crucial role. Photographic studios like Spencer and Wilson catered to the aspirations of the middle and upper classes, offering them a means of solidifying their social position. The image then acts as a historical document reflecting the social conditions that shaped its production. To understand this portrait fully, we might consult social histories of the period, photographic archives, and studies of fashion and material culture, enriching our appreciation of art as something deeply embedded in its social and institutional context.