Portret van een jonge man 1872 - 1900

This is a portrait of a young man, made by Hendrik Jonker sometime in the late 19th century. It's a photograph, a process that was then only a few decades old, and still quite a specialized skill. Think about what went into making this image. The young man would have had to sit still for an extended period, and the photographer needed a well-equipped studio. Photographic portraits were a luxury. This helps us understand the sitter as a member of the middle or upper class. The image itself has a particular character. The warm sepia tones, the slightly soft focus, the gilded frame all contribute to an overall feeling of Victorian gentility. It's a far cry from the instant, disposable images we create today. This photograph was made to last, an artifact with considerable social value. Considering the materials, the making, and the context, helps us understand that the value of this photograph lies far beyond the simple depiction of a young man’s face.