Portret van een man met baard 1883 - 1910

Johannes Laurens Theodorus Huijsen made this portrait of a bearded man with photography some time in the late 19th century. During this era, photography studios emerged as spaces where individuals from various social strata could shape their self-representation. The sitter's beard, suit, and tie suggest a middle-class identity, aligning with the era's emphasis on bourgeois respectability. What did it mean to sit for a photograph at this time? It might be helpful to consider the emotional experience for the sitter. How did they want to be seen? This portrait reflects not just an individual likeness, but also the social and cultural values of the time. In conclusion, the portrait encapsulates the desire for social recognition and self-expression amidst the changing landscape of 19th-century Dutch society. It highlights the intersection between personal identity and broader cultural narratives.