Portret van een onbekende man met een snor c. 1881 - 1901

This is a sepia photograph, a "Portret van een onbekende man met een snor," by the brothers Cordes. The composition centers on the man’s upper body, framed by a soft oval vignette. The limited tonal range evokes a sense of nostalgia. The formal attire of the subject—dark jacket, light shirt, and patterned bow tie—contrasts with the man’s striking moustache, creating a focal point that underscores his individuality. The Cordes brothers have paid close attention to detail, capturing the texture of the man’s hair and clothing, lending a tactile quality to the image. In photographic portraiture, the subject's pose, attire, and expression are carefully constructed to convey social status and personal identity. Yet, despite these visual cues, the man remains "unknown," inviting us to question how identity is constructed through images. This photograph, therefore, exists as both a historical document and a semiotic puzzle.