Portret van een zittende jongeman 1881 - 1900

This photograph of a seated young man was created by P. Vlaanderen & C. van der Aa, though the date is unknown. Likely created in the Netherlands, this portrait gives us insight into the social norms of the time. During the 19th century, photography studios became increasingly popular, allowing a wider range of people to commission portraits, previously the domain of the wealthy. The man’s formal attire – suit, waistcoat, bow tie, and pocket watch – suggests a certain level of affluence and an adherence to bourgeois social codes. His posture, leaning casually on a small table, perhaps indicates a desire to project an air of relaxed confidence. Photographs like these were often collected in albums, serving as records of family and social networks. As historians, we can use these images as valuable resources for understanding the visual culture and social dynamics of the past, piecing together a richer understanding of everyday life. By studying such artifacts, we can better understand how individuals presented themselves and how they wished to be seen by others.