Man met een pijp en klompen met een donker paard op een binnenplaats c. 1875 - 1900

Willem Frederik Vinkenbos captured this image of a man with a pipe, clogs, and a dark horse on a courtyard using photographic techniques in the 19th century. The photograph is dominated by a composition that invites the eye to survey the horse’s body. The horse’s dark, smooth coat contrasts with the rough texture of the courtyard floor and the simple, unadorned building behind. The image is divided into clear sections with the horse and the man on the left and negative space around. The use of light and shadow is particularly interesting. It highlights the contours and musculature of the horse, creating a sense of depth and volume. The photographer uses a semiotic system of signs where the horse is a symbol of status and wealth while the man represents the working class. This juxtaposition creates a visual narrative about social classes. The photograph is not just a representation of a horse and a man, but also a representation of societal structures. The composition and the use of light are integral to conveying these underlying themes.