Portret van een zittende man, aangeduid als L. van Meeuwen 1860 - 1894

This is a mounted portrait of a seated man, possibly L. van Meeuwen, created by Ghémar Frères. The photograph is part of a larger cultural and technological shift in the 19th century. Photography democratized portraiture, making it accessible to a broader segment of the population. Previously, painted portraits were the domain of the wealthy elite, serving as symbols of status and power. Looking at the portrait, the sitter's clothing and demeanor reflect the values of the bourgeoisie in the Netherlands. The subject appears to be a man of some standing, likely a member of the professional or merchant class. Photography studios like Ghémar Frères became important institutions in shaping visual culture. The photographers played a role in defining social status through imagery. Historians can use resources like studio records, and social histories to reveal how photography shaped the ways people saw themselves and others in the 19th century.