Portret van Victor de Stuers 1890 - 1916

This is a photograph of Victor de Stuers, made by an anonymous photographer. It's an interesting study in light and shadow, especially because you know that the artist has to construct the image, they don't just come out naturally. There’s an intense darkness to the background, with an oval surrounding the portrait, as though we're peering through a window. The oval is not perfect, though. It is slightly misshapen and off-center. This imperfection gives the photograph a sense of immediacy, as if it were captured in a fleeting moment. It reminds me a little of some of Alice Neel's portraits, where she would emphasize the unposed nature of her portraits by leaving some of the background sketchy and unfinished. The texture of the photographic paper, combined with the high contrast, makes you feel as if you could reach out and touch Victor de Stuers' beard, or the lapel of his jacket. You can almost imagine the photographer adjusting the lights to create just the right effect. It’s really incredible how photography can turn anyone into a visual artist!