Portret van een man 1860 - 1900

This is a portrait of a man by Osbert, made with photography. Photography in its early days was considered a tool for documentation, and therefore a lower form of art. However, it democratized portraiture; what once was exclusive to the upper classes became accessible to the middle classes. Note how the man is dressed in a suit, a standard in formal photography, to convey a sense of respectability and success. This image is likely from the late 19th century, a period marked by industrial expansion, urbanization, and the rise of the middle class. The photograph is small, emphasizing its role as a personal object rather than a public statement. It reflects the values of a society that was becoming increasingly individualistic, and where personal identity was gaining importance. To fully understand the image, an art historian might consult social registers, fashion plates, and studio records. What appears to be a simple portrait is full of insights into the sitter's identity and the values of the era in which it was made.