Studioportret van een man c. 1890 - 1920

This portrait of a man was made by Cornelis Leenheer Sr sometime in the past. It’s a photograph, but when I see an image like this, I can’t help but think about painting – the nuances of tone, the way light and shadow define a face. I think about the photographer, setting up the shot, coaxing his sitter into a pose that feels both natural and composed. What were they thinking about, those two people in that moment? Did the man feel awkward or self-conscious? Did the photographer see something in him that he wanted to capture? The surface of the photograph is smooth, almost cool, but the image itself is full of warmth. The man’s gaze is direct, but there’s also a hint of vulnerability in his eyes. It reminds me of a Rembrandt portrait, where the subject seems to be looking both at you and into themselves at the same time. Ultimately, this image invites us to look closer, think deeper, and feel more.