Portret van Alfred van Saksen-Coburg en Gotha before 1887

Curator: Here we have a fascinating portrait, created before 1887, entitled "Portret van Alfred van Saksen-Coburg en Gotha." It's an albumen print mounted in what looks like an album, a beautiful example of early photography. Editor: Whoa, immediately, that military garb—heavy with authority, isn't it? He looks like he’s walked straight out of a history book. It gives off an incredibly formal, almost intimidating vibe. Curator: The formality is key. Photography in this period, especially portraiture, served to reinforce social hierarchies. As a member of European royalty, Alfred’s depiction is carefully constructed to convey power and status. Editor: Definitely a ‘don’t mess with me’ aura. It makes me wonder, though, what his life was actually like behind that stiff uniform. Did he sneak off to smoke a cigarette and read poetry or something? There has to be some kind of human behind that portrait. Curator: It’s interesting that you pick up on that perceived disconnect. Royal portraiture often involved a negotiation—between the subject's actual character and the image they wished to project to the world. In the case of Alfred, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, think about the socio-political context: What expectations were placed on someone in his position? Editor: He’s practically begging for a dramatic retelling in a costume drama on Netflix. I’m wondering why someone added the watercolour on the blank page adjacent the image: the slight splash of blue is fascinating to contemplate. Curator: Considering intersectional issues of race, gender, and power in Europe, what story do such portraits leave untold? For the sitter and society at large, they can indicate more than one possible narrative about privilege and national power. Editor: I hadn't even noticed the delicate detail there—a blue flourish. What do you make of it? Curator: To see the album opened, in our digital gallery space, prompts one to question both private identity and official performance of self. Editor: Absolutely, a loaded snapshot, indeed. All these layers just add depth. A formal military portrait meets spontaneous doodle. Perfect.