Reproductie naar een foto, schilderij, tekening of prent c. 1860 - 1915

This is a reproduction of a portrait of an unknown man, made by diverse artists. The sitter, a man with tousled hair and a somewhat weary expression, is seated informally, holding a cigarette between his fingers. The image evokes a sense of introspection. Note the stark contrast between the textured backdrop and the man's composed demeanor. His clothing, while formal, suggests a departure from rigid societal norms, hinting at a bohemian lifestyle that was emerging at the time. During this period, portraiture served not only as a record of appearance but also as a means of constructing identity and social status. The cigarette he holds is a symbol of leisure, of privilege, and perhaps also a sign of the changing gender roles and social expectations. As you contemplate this image, consider the emotional and psychological state of the man depicted, and how it challenges or reinforces societal expectations of masculinity and identity during a transformative era.