Portret van een man met snor en bril 1850 - 1900

This photographic portrait of a man with a mustache and glasses was made by Oscar Ohm. Think about what went into making this image; from the manufacture of the glass plate to the chemical processes involved in its development, the photo's creation depended on both skilled labor and industrial production. The tones and textures here are largely determined by the unique properties of early photographic chemistry. Each stage, from the preparation of the light-sensitive emulsion to the careful timing of exposure and development, would have influenced the final image. Photographs like these reflect the rise of consumer culture and technology in the 19th and early 20th centuries. More than a straightforward record, this portrait speaks to the complex interplay between artistic intention, scientific innovation, and the wider social context of its time. By considering these factors, we can appreciate the rich layers of meaning embedded in what might otherwise appear to be a simple image.