Portret van een man met een hand in zijn jas gestoken 1860 - 1900

This photograph, "Portret van een man met een hand in zijn jas gestoken", was created by Colombier. The portrait offers a glimpse into the visual culture of its time, where photography was becoming increasingly accessible. The man's dark coat, neatly trimmed beard, and poised stance are all markers of a particular social class and gender performance. His hand tucked into his coat is a gesture that speaks to both formality and perhaps a guarded sense of self. Consider the gaze of the sitter, which engages with the viewer directly. In traditional portraiture, such a gaze would denote status and self-assurance. However, in the context of early photography, where posing itself was a self-conscious act, how might this interaction signal something about the changing nature of identity and representation? How does this portrait fit into or challenge conventional representations of masculinity during its time?