Portret van een staande man met baard en snor 1860 - 1890

This is a photograph, made by Establecimiento Fotografico, of a standing man with a beard and mustache. The photographic print, likely an albumen print given its sepia tones and smooth surface, is mounted on card stock. The photograph's material qualities - its small size, its tonal range, and the sharp detail afforded by the photographic process - all contribute to its cultural significance. Photography in this period was increasingly accessible, yet portraits like these remained a considered purchase, a means of capturing and preserving one's image for posterity. Consider the labor involved, not just of the photographer, but also the sitter, who had to remain still for an extended period. The man’s clothing speaks of a certain social status, and this is enhanced by the accoutrements of wealth in the photograph's setting, which contribute to the careful construction of an identity. By considering the materials and the processes through which this photograph was made, we can understand it not just as a representation, but also as a cultural artifact.