Portret van een onbekende man 1880 - 1907

This is a photograph of an unknown man, made by Eduard Donkersloot. The photograph itself is an albumen print, a process popular in the 19th century where paper is coated with egg white and then exposed to light through a negative. The tones achieved, from deep blacks to soft grays, are remarkable, achieved through careful manipulation of chemicals and light. This was part of a larger shift in the means of image production, from unique handcrafted likenesses to mechanically produced copies, and the rise of photography democratized portraiture. The subject is a man of means, evident in his well-tailored suit and confident demeanor. Yet, the photograph's small size also speaks to a certain intimacy, intended for personal display. Ultimately, it is an artifact of a specific time and place, reflecting the rise of industrial capitalism and its impact on artistic practices.