Portret van een man met snor en baard 1863 - 1895

This photograph, "Portret van een man met snor en baard," was created by Charles Jacotin sometime between 1863 and 1895. The small-scale albumen print, with its sepia tones, presents a formal portrait contained within an oval frame. The man's dark suit and the subdued background contribute to a composition of tonal restraint, typical of the period. Consider how the symmetry of the man's face and the careful arrangement of his attire convey a sense of order and control, reflecting prevailing social values. The oval format softens the otherwise rigid composition, adding a layer of intimacy. The textures—from the smoothness of the photographic paper to the implied textures of the man's beard and clothing—invite close inspection. The photograph's aesthetic also serves a cultural function, reinforcing ideas about representation and identity. Its appeal lies in its ability to capture a moment, but also in the way it participates in broader cultural conversations about appearance, class, and the individual's place within society.