Portret van een man 1860 - 1900

Théodule Antoine Courthéoux created this photograph, "Portret van een man," using the 19th-century technique of albumen silver printing. This formal portrait, framed within an album page, captures a man adorned in the attire of his time – a patterned suit, vest, and a delicate watch chain. The subject’s confident yet reserved demeanor speaks volumes about the societal expectations placed on men during this era. Photography democratized portraiture, making it accessible to a broader range of social classes, allowing individuals to construct and preserve their identities in a rapidly changing world. The photograph is more than an image; it is a personal, visceral connection to a past era. Consider how such images shape our understanding of history and identity, reflecting both the individual stories and broader societal narratives of their time.